10 Times You'll Have To Learn About ADHD Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less obvious in females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions and delay the referral.

It is essential to investigate and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose, especially in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. This means that they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys, making them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and feelings.

The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of things and adhere to routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for tests are frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to get an appointment.

The first step towards getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you think you might have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and ask for an appointment. You should also explain why you believe you might have ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also obtain an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Speak with your doctor

Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful because they might attempt to hide their issues. These include drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.

The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for the services may be long and 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 doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are due to something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.

If you've been recommended, it is important to select a therapist that is aware of the condition, and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.

The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. On  adhd symptoms in adult women , a diet rich in junk food and sugar can increase these symptoms.

You should also ask your GP if mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation, might be beneficial to you. They can be extremely useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques with a certified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women who suffer from ADHD often find their symptoms less obvious than males. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In fact, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved relationships, especially with men.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following directions, meeting deadlines, and keeping the track of their commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout which could negatively impact their career and job performance.

Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They are also susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your condition.

If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals and achievements. You can find the details of the meeting on their website or Facebook page. Contact them with any questions or would like to attend an forthcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.

Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, producing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.

Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social setting take part in a group class or a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all by itself - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.