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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less apparent in females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay referral. It is crucial to understand and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in some women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. attention deficit disorder in women of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. ADHD is often observed in males and females So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely be noticed by parents or teachers. They may use coping techniques, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their emotions and behavior. The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. They may also have difficulty to keep track of their activities and adhere to routines. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities. While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment. The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you think you might have ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain why you believe you have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and assist in the speedy process. You can also consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route. 2. Talk with your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood, may not be as obvious. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems, and these can be very damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends through high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies. The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they will recommend the most appropriate service for you – this is usually a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service. The wait times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the person's problems are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms. It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD. Managing ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and diet changes can help. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet that is high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms. It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD often notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult to diagnose them. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize. In addition, they could have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships particularly with men. Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping on top of their commitments. They may also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their job performance and career. Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration. Despite these issues, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online or in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well how to manage your condition. If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and hopes. You can find the meeting details on their website and their Facebook page. You can contact them if you have any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event. 4. Exercise Women suffering from ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and anger. Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily. Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment, join a group class or gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all by itself – it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.