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ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less obvious. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders, which can delay the referral. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be explored and addressed as appropriate. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD can be difficult to recognize in adulthood, especially for women. The symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys So doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as frequently. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and feelings. The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause mood swings. It may also be difficult for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations. While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS, as there is only a handful 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 important to inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also get an assessment through private healthcare. 2. Talk to your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, particularly when they are adults, 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 gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies. The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is the most appropriate for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service. The waiting times for the services may be long In some instances, it can be difficult to be referrals because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) rather than ADHD symptoms. If you've been recommended, it is important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition, and will work with your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD. Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can help. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other side, a diet that is high in junk food and sugar can increase these symptoms. It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques like meditation could be beneficial for you because they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate a provider near you. 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 display as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are harder to spot, like inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men. Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of their commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and career. The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily, and poor organisation. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For instance mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration. Despite these challenges there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online as well as in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnosis routes for both children and adults as well how to manage your illness. There are numerous adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to share their struggles, successes and aspirations. The meeting details on their website or Facebook page. You can also contact them with questions in the event that you'd like to join an upcoming event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and irritation. Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. attention deficit disorder in women can also help to manage excess energy, and increase focus and concentration. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day. Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to be social join a club or gym. Be aware that although exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely on its own. It must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.