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ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less evident in females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions and delay referral.

It is important to explore and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.





1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD isn't easy to recognize in adulthood, especially for women. This is because many symptoms are different for females. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it's more prevalent in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies that include hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviors.

Symptoms of ADHD can get worse as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for people who haven't been able to access the help they need. This is especially relevant for those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take years to get an appointment.

The first step towards receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you might have ADHD because they'll need to be attentive and request a referral. You should also explain why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternatively, you can try to get an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age, may not be as obvious. They might develop strategies to hide their problems and they can be extremely damaging. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies.

Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to the appropriate service for your needs. This usually is a mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.

Waiting times for these services can be long and in some instances it can be difficult to be referred because the problem 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 anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.

It is essential to 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 especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can cause these symptoms to worsen.

high functioning adhd in women should also ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, could be beneficial for you. They are useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a certified teacher. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. 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 get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.

Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions, meeting deadlines, and keeping on top of their commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and their career.

Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have trouble expressing their emotions, and are often misinterpreted. For example mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet as well as in person. They are a great way to get advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children and also how to manage your illness.

If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals, and successes. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with questions in the event that you'd like to join the next event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD have particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and anger.

Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. Try to include a regular exercise routine in your day.

Exercise at home or, if your goal is to socialize take part in a group or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own. It must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.