ADHD Women UK: 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known Earlier
ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more apparent for females. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions, which can delay the referral.
It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy 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, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. This means that they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in males and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as swiftly. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than boys and are less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They may be unable 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, waiting times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD because they will need to take this seriously and request an appointment. You must also state why you believe you have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and help speed up the process. You can also try to receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults might not be as obvious. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to cover up their issues. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build support for their friends through high risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the most appropriate service for you. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy, and in some cases it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication can reduce some of your symptoms and dietary changes can help. click through the following website page in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
adhd in women is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be useful for you because they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques with a certified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD typically notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. This could be because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect, such as inattention ADHD. In addition, they could struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to have problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following directions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout that could negatively impact their job and career.
The most frequent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may have trouble with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For example mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are offered online and in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process 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. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults with ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and hopes. The details of the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. Contact them if you have any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and anger.
Exercise can reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.
Exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social join a club or join a gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms but it can't solve them. It should be combined with other strategies to treat symptoms. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.