ADHD Women UK: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay the diagnosis. The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ for females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys So doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as swiftly. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than boys, making them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like wearing make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors. The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities. Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to get the help they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS and have a small number of doctors that can perform ADHD assessments and it can take years to secure an appointment. The first step towards getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you think you may have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can aid in speeding up the process. Alternatively, you can try to get an assessment through the private healthcare route. 2. Speak with adult adhd in women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, particularly as they age aren't always evident. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to conceal their problems. A few of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies. GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then recommend the best service for you – this usually is a mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service. Waiting times for these services can be long In some instances, it is difficult to get referrals because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety or substance misuse) and not due to their ADHD symptoms. After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must select a therapist that is aware of the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD. Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet high in sugars and junk food may cause these symptoms to worsen. It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial for you as they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD tend to notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they aren't suffering from any signs. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with males. Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to have problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following instructions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They may also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead them to burnout which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance. Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They are also 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 example, mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration. Despite these difficulties There are still plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. These groups are a great place to get advice about diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your illness. If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their struggles, goals and accomplishments. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with any questions if you'd like to attend the next event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability. Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reducing stress. It can also help reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine. You can exercise at home or, if you want to socialize join a club or join a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all on its own – it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.