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ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders which may delay referral. It is important to explore and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly in women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety. ADHD is also more often seen in boys and men So doctors may not be aware of the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, since females are not referred to doctors as often. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than males and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques that include hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their emotions and behavior. The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that make them more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to stay on top of things and follow routines. This could affect how they manage their home, work 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, the long wait times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors that can perform ADHD tests and it could take years to obtain an appointment. The first step in getting a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You may also obtain an assessment through private healthcare. 2. Talk to your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose than men, mainly because the signs aren't as evident, especially in adulthood. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues, and these 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. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in more sexually transmitted diseases, teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies. Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then they will direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This typically a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service. The wait times for these services can be long and, in some instances it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's problems are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms. Once you've been referred to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist that is aware of the condition, and is willing to tackle your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD. Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can also make a difference. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk food can increase these symptoms. It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you. 3. Find a support group Women with ADHD tend to have less visible symptoms than those with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it harder to identify them. This does not mean that they are not suffering from symptoms. In reality, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained relationships, particularly with men. Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They might 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 their career. The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily, and poor organisation. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble expressing their emotions, and are often misinterpreted. For instance mood swings could be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration. Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online and in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your illness. There are adhd in adult women test across the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and goals. The information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings, and irritability. Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and increase focus and improve attention. Make sure to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine. Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social atmosphere take part in a group class or a gym. Just remember, that while exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all by itself – it is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.