The 10 Worst ADHD Women UK Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented

ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this could delay the referral.

Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence may unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly for 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. They might be misdiagnosed as having mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.

The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They may be unable to stay on top of things and stick to routines. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who aren't able to access the help they need. This is especially the case for those on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors who perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.

The first step to get an assessment is to see your GP.  add symptoms in adult women  is crucial to mention to your GP that you think you may have ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and request a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to assist in the speedy process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.

2. Talk with your doctor

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood, may not be as evident. They might develop strategies to conceal their issues and they can be extremely damaging. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.

Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services can be long and, in some instances, it is difficult to refer someone because of the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD, or because they think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.

If you've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition, and will work with your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and dietary changes can make a difference too. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can worsen the symptoms.

It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial for you as they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified instructor. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult to identify them. However, this is not to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are harder to spot, like inattention ADHD. Additionally, they may have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with men.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions, meeting deadlines, and keeping the track of their commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which could negatively impact their job and career.

Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.

Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. They are a great way to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as how to manage your illness.

There are numerous adult ADHD support groups throughout 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 achievements. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or website. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women who suffer from ADHD can face particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues like mood swings and anger.

Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reducing stress. It also helps control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. Therefore, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.

Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social setting take part in a group class or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely by itself - it should be paired with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.