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ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less obvious for females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.

Symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and addressed as appropriate. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. adhd in adult women test may be misdiagnosed as having mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.

Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods that include wearing make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.

The symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact how they 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 require. This can be particularly relevant for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.

The first step to get the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and request a referral. You must also state why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and assist in the speedy process. Alternatively, you can consider obtaining an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Talk with your doctor

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, particularly as they age, may not be as obvious. These strategies can be harmful, since they can attempt to hide their issues. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.

The GPs will take any 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. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for the services may be long and in some instances it is difficult to get referrals because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes the person's problems are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.

Once you've been referred, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the disorder and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less apparent. A diet high in sugars and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.

It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be useful for you, as they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified teacher. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women who suffer from ADHD typically find their symptoms less obvious than men. This is probably 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 get diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any signs. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men.

Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping the track of their commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance.

The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily, and poor organisation. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have difficulties communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. 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 designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are a great way to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as how to manage your illness.

There are numerous adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to share their challenges, successes and aspirations. You can find the details of the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or would like to attend 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 fluctuations and irritability.





Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Try to include regular exercise into your day.

You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to socialize join a club or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely on its own - it should be paired with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.