ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as obvious. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders, which can delay the diagnosis.

The signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly for women. This is because many of the symptoms are different in females. While men are more active and impulsive, females often struggle to concentrate or sit still. This means that they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.

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

The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.

While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high functioning adhd in women profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly true for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take years to make an appointment.

The first step to get a diagnosis is seeing your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and request a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You could also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women with ADHD can be harder to identify than men, partly because the signs aren't as evident, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to cover up their problems. A few of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to create social connections by engaging in high functioning adhd in women-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies.

GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

Waiting times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it can be difficult to be referrals because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.

It is important that you choose a therapist with adhd Adult women treatment experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.

It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you because they are extremely efficient in helping those suffering from adhd in adult women test to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you find the nearest provider.

3. Find a support group

Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they don't have any signs. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to tensions in relationships, especially with men.

Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with school and work. They can have trouble following directions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They may also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and career.

Women who suffer from adult adhd inattentive type women often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and are not organized. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often misunderstood. For instance mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.

Despite these issues, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available both online as well as in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as how to manage your illness.

There are many adult ADHD support groups in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their struggles, goals and achievements. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuation and irritability.

Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.

Do your exercise at home, or, if your goal is to socialize join a club or join a gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all by itself - it must be combined with other strategies for adhd adult women treatment managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.