What's The Ugly Truth About ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders and delay the diagnosis. It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms differ in females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, since females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies like wearing make-up or acting out to hide their emotions and behavior. The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause mood swings. It may also be difficult for them to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations. While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is creating stress and frustration for those who aren't successful in getting the help they need. This is particularly relevant for those who are who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD tests. It can take years to make an appointment. The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is important to inform your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for a referral. You must also state why you believe you be suffering from ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and assist in the speedy process. Alternatively, you can attempt to obtain an assessment via the private healthcare route. 2. Speak with your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood might not be as evident. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems and they can be extremely damaging. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early pregnancy. Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is most suitable for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service. The waiting times for these services can be long and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be because the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the individual's issues are due to something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms. Once you've been referred to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist that is aware of the condition, and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. Treatment can ease certain symptoms, and diet changes can also make a difference. For example, eating an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less apparent. On Highly recommended Resource site , a diet high in sugar and junk foods can worsen the symptoms. You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation might be helpful for you. They can be very helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. This could be because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it harder to identify them. However, this is not to suggest that they don't have any signs. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships particularly with males. adhd symptoms in adult women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping on top of commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout, which could negatively impact their career and job performance. Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often misunderstood. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration. Despite these challenges There are still plenty of options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on diagnostic methods for both children and adults as well 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 offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to share their struggles, goals and successes. The details of the meeting on their website and Facebook page. You can also reach them with questions in the event that you'd like to join the next event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD may face unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and anger. Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help to reduce stress and increase focus and attention. So, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day. Exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social take part in a group or join a gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to fix them completely on its own. It must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. Ideally, you should aim to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.