ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less evident for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions which may delay referral.

The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

Doctors might not be aware with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.

The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They may be unable to stay on top of things and stick to routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is especially the case for those on the NHS and have a limited number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.

The first step in getting an assessment is to see your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you think you may have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can aid in speeding up the process. You can also try to get an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Speak to your doctor

Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, especially as they age aren't always obvious. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems and they can be very damaging. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build support for their friends by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with adhd in women symptoms are also more likely to have an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancy.

The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is best suited to you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of add adult women ADHD or believes that the individual's issues are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of adhd for Adult women symptoms.

It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.

The management of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and dietary changes can help. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.

It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation could be useful for you because they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women who suffer from ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to diagnose them. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattentive adhd in women ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with males.

Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their job and career.

The most frequent symptoms and signs and symptoms of adhd in women of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, easily forgetting things, and poor organisation. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They may also have difficulties in expressing their emotions and are often not understood. For example, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.

Despite these challenges There are still plenty of resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on diagnosis routes for both children and adults and also how to manage your condition.

If you're looking for an adult adhd in women ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to share their struggles, goals and successes. You can find the details of the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can also contact them with questions in the event that you'd like to join the next event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD have unique difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability.

Exercise can ease these symptoms, by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. Make sure to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.

Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment you can join a class or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely by itself - it is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.