10 Quick Tips About ADHD Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women are often undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this could delay the referral. It is important to explore and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They could be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. ADHD is also more often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely get noticed by their teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques, such as hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors. The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations. Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to get 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. It can take years to obtain an appointment. The first step to getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you believe you might have ADHD since they will have to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You must also provide the reasons why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You can also try to obtain an evaluation through private healthcare. 2. Talk to your doctor Women with ADHD can be harder to recognize than men, mainly because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly in adulthood. They may develop strategies to hide their problems which can be very damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends through high risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancy. Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the appropriate service for your needs. This typically a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service. adhd in women test for these services can be long and, in some instances, it is difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety or substance misuse) and not by their ADHD symptoms. adhd in women symptoms is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD challenges. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD. The management of ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication and diet changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can cause these symptoms to worsen. It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be extremely beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they do not have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in ruptures or broken relationships particularly with men. Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at work and school. They can have trouble adhering to instructions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They may also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their work performance and their professional career. The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD for women are difficulty paying attention, easily forgetting things and a lack of organization. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also struggle with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden rage or anger. Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as how to manage your condition. If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults with ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and hopes. You can find the details of the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join a future event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuation and irritability. Exercise can reduce these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and reducing stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. So, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day. Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social setting take part in a group class or gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms but it can't cure the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.