ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less obvious for females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions and delay the referral.

It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD isn't easy to recognize in adulthood, particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms are different in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

ADHD is often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely get noticed by parents or teachers. They might use strategies for coping, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.

Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home 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 tests are frustrating and stressful for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This can be particularly relevant for those on the NHS and have only a handful of doctors who carry out ADHD tests and it could take years to secure an appointment.

The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you think you may have ADHD because they will need to be attentive and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you might have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You could also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women with ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, partly because the symptoms are not as evident, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to cover up their problems. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.

GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services are lengthy and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred due to the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes the person's problems are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.

It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.

Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and dietary changes can make a difference too. For example, eating a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. On the other hand, a diet high in junk food and sugar can increase these symptoms.

It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be useful for you as they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This could be because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult to diagnose them. This does not mean that they are not suffering from symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect, such as inattention ADHD. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men.

Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to struggle at school and work. They can have trouble following directions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can negatively impact their job and career.

The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often not understood. For https://lara-vick.federatedjournals.com/an-in-depth-look-into-the-future-how-will-the-add-in-adult-women-industry-look-like-in-10-years , mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. https://writeablog.net/dollbamboo22/its-a-adhd-in-women-checklist-success-story-youll-never-be-able-to are accessible on the internet as well as in person. They are a great way to get advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.

If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in 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 share their struggles, goals and successes. You can find the meeting details on their website or Facebook page. You can also contact them with questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend a future event.

4. Exercise

Women who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.



Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Make sure to incorporate regular exercise into your day.

Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social atmosphere, join a group class or a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot solve them. It is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.