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ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious in females. They can also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay referral.

It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ for females. While men are more active and impulsive, women often struggle to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can cause 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 may resort to coping methods like wearing make-up or putting on a show to conceal their emotions and behavior.

The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women go through perimenopause or menopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It can also be difficult to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.

The waiting time for assessments can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to get the help they need. This is especially relevant for those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to get an appointment.

The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is important to inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and will request a referral. You must also state the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to get an assessment via the private healthcare route.


2. Speak with your doctor

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to recognize, in part because their symptoms, particularly when they are adults, may not be as evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems and they could be detrimental to their health. A few of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.

GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should inquire 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.

signs of adhd in women waiting times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.

Once you've been referred, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. For example, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms.

It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, might be beneficial to you. They are useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they are not suffering from symptoms. In fact, they could have inattentive ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.

Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle with work and school. They can have trouble following directions, keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They may be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their work performance and their professional career.

Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration.

Despite these challenges there are many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found online or in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as how to manage your illness.

There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can also reach them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join an upcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuation and irritability.

Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. It can also help to control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Try to include regular exercise into your daily routine.

You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social join a club or join a gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all 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.

Member since: Friday, October 11, 2024

Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/