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ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as obvious. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis. The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Transitional periods such as adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, especially for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms differ in females. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. ADHD is more frequently seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as quickly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to get noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their face with makeup or putting on a show to conceal their emotions and behavior. Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is because they can be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. It can also be difficult for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home 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 times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been able to access the help they need. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments and it can take years to obtain an appointment. The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. You can also attempt to obtain an assessment via the private healthcare route. 2. Speak to your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, in part because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems which can be extremely damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies. Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is best suited to you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service. The wait times for these services can be long, and in some cases it is difficult to get referrals because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's problems are due to other causes (such as anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms. It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD. Managing adhd in adult women symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and diet changes can help. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms. You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They are useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD often notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. This is probably due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize. In addition, they could struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with males. Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience problems at school and at work. They may have trouble following instructions, meeting deadlines, and keeping on top of commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These issues can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and their professional career. Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are frequently thought of as a victim by other people. For example mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration. Despite these difficulties there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online and in person. These groups are an excellent way to get advice about the diagnosis options for adults and children, 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 provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals, and successes. The details of the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can reach them if you have any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuation and irritability. Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. In addition, it helps control excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine. Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to socialize join a club or join a gym. Be aware that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not cure them all on its own – it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.