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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less obvious for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders and delay the diagnosis. Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. adhd in adult women test as adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. The symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. ADHD is also more often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as swiftly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and feelings. The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities. While awareness of ADHD has increased due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been successful in getting the help they need. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to get an appointment. The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and assist in the speedy process. You can also attempt to obtain an assessment through the private healthcare route. 2. Talk to your doctor Women with 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 conceal their issues which can be extremely damaging. Some 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 activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies. Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then refer you to the best service for your needs. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service. Waiting times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms. Once you've been referred, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD. Managing ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can make a difference too. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms. It is also advisable to ask your GP if mindfulness-based techniques like meditation might be helpful for you. They can be extremely useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a certified instructor. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD typically find their symptoms less obvious than males. 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 don't have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to detect, such as inattentive ADHD. Additionally, they may have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained relationships, particularly with males. Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions, meeting deadlines, and keeping the track of commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout that can have a negative impact on their job and career. Women with adult ADHD often have trouble staying focused, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often not understood. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration. Despite these difficulties There are still plenty of resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are accessible on the internet as well as in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children and also how to manage your condition. If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and hopes. The details of the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can also contact them with questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event. 4. Exercise Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuation and irritability. Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Make sure to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your day. Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social setting, join a group class or a gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms but it can't solve them. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.