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ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders, which can delay the diagnosis.
It is important to explore and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly for women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because women aren't referred as swiftly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are creating 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 small number of doctors that can perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. You must inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.
2. Talk with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to recognize than men, in part because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially as an adult. They may develop strategies to conceal their issues which can be extremely damaging. A few of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is best suited to you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services can be long, and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred because the problem isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or they think that the person's challenges are due to something else (like depression, anxiety or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. Treatment can ease certain symptoms, and diet modifications can make a difference too. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. A diet that is high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be useful for you because they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you find a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD often find their symptoms less obvious than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause tensions in relationships, especially with males.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They can have trouble following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They can be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their job performance and their professional career.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily, and poor organisation. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for adults and children, and also how to manage your condition.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their struggles, goals and successes. The information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event.
4. visit my web site who suffer from ADHD can face unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and decreasing stress. Additionally, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize take part in a group or gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own. It must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.