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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this could delay referral. It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different for females. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like anxiety or depression. ADHD is more frequently seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as often. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than boys and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and emotions. Symptoms of ADHD can get worse as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. They may be unable to stay on top of things and stick to routines. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other obligations. While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to secure an appointment. The first step to receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to mention to your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to be attentive and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can help speed up the process. You could also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare. 2. Talk with your doctor Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, especially when they are adults, may not be as obvious. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to conceal their issues. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies. GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service. The wait times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances it can be difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's problems are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms. It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD. The management of ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet high in sugars and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms. It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial for you as they are extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit more subtle symptoms than males. 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. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships particularly with men. Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty following directions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance. The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and having a poor organization. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often misunderstood. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration. Despite adhd in older women challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is a support program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered online and in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on diagnostic methods for children and adults, as well how to manage your condition. There are many adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to share their challenges, successes and aspirations. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. You can also reach them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability. Exercise can reduce the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. Plus, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and focus. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a more social environment you can join a class or gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.