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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less apparent for females. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which could delay the referral. Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be explored and treated as needed. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. ADHD is also more often observed in males and females, so doctors might not be aware of the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't referred to doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men, making them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might use coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and emotions. Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopausal. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of their activities and adhere to routines. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations. While awareness of ADHD has risen due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't in a position to get the help they need. This is especially true for those on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to secure an appointment. The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and will request an appointment. 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, which can aid in speeding up the process. Alternately, you can try to get an assessment through the private healthcare route. 2. Talk with your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to recognize than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially when they are adults. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems and they can be very damaging. These include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends through high-risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies. GPs take reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to the most appropriate service for you – this is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. The waiting times for these services are lengthy and in some cases it can be difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms. After you've been referred to a therapist, it is important to select a therapist that is aware of the issue and will work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms. It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation might be beneficial to you, as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider. 3. Find a support group Women with ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This doesn't mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with men. Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of their commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout which could negatively impact their career and job performance. Some of the most prevalent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and a lack of organization. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and are often not understood. For instance mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration. Despite these issues, there are still many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as how to manage your condition. There are numerous adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to share their challenges, achievements and aspirations. add and adhd in women are available on their Facebook page and website. Contact them with any questions or would like to attend an upcoming event. 4. Exercise Women suffering from ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood swings and irritability. Exercise can reduce these symptoms, by release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your daily. Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize join a club or join a gym. Exercise can alleviate certain ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.