Why You Should Focus On Improving ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less evident. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders which may delay referral.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and treated as needed. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. This is because many of the symptoms are different for females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it's more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as frequently. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques that include hiding behind make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women go through perimenopause or menopause. This is because they can be affected by hormonal changes that make them more prone to mood swings. It may also be difficult to keep track of routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors who can carry out ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will take this seriously and request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You could also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk with your doctor
understanding women with adhd who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly as they age might not be as evident. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems which can be very damaging. A few of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will recommend the most appropriate service for your needs. This is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for the services may be long, and in some cases it is difficult to get diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult adhd in Men and women, or because they think that the person's challenges are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not caused by their adhd inattentive type women symptoms.
Once you've been referred, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the condition, and is willing to tackle your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication and diet changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can cause these symptoms to worsen.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be useful for you, as they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. Additionally, they may have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups particularly with males.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions, meeting deadlines, and keeping track of their commitments. They can be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and career.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention deficit disorder in women, easily forgetting things, and poor organisation. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can struggle with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For instance mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online or in person. These groups are a great place to get advice about diagnostic methods for both children and adults as well how to manage your condition.
There are numerous adult add in women ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can also contact them with any questions you may have if you'd like to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
understanding women with adhd with ADHD have unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. It can also help to reduce excess energy and increase focus and improve attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.
You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social, join a group or gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not solve them all on its own - it is best to combine it with other symptom-management strategies. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.