ADHD Women UK: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less evident for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders which may delay the diagnosis.
The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different in females. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They could be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females often don't get referred as frequently. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This means they are less likely to get noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their emotions and behavior.
Symptoms of adhd in women diagnosis can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is causing stress and frustration for those who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly applicable to those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take years to make an appointment.
The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you may have ADHD since they will have to take this seriously and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You could also receive an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, partly because the signs of adhd in adult women aren't so obvious, particularly as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues which could be detrimental to their health. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls with 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.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will direct you to the appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes the person's difficulties are caused by other factors (such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse) rather than ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and will work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms, and diet changes can make a difference too. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. On the other hand, a diet high in junk food and sugar can increase these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial to you because they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a certified instructor. You can locate a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
add women with ADHD may have less apparent symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't display as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it harder to identify them. However, this does not mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattentive adhd in adult women (Get the facts) ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with men.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have trouble following directions in completing deadlines and keeping on top of commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout that can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have difficulties in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online as well as 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 condition.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their challenges, achievements and aspirations. The information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. Contact them if you have any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
You can exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social take part in a group or gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot eliminate them. It should be combined with other strategies to treat symptoms. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.