The 10 Most Terrifying Things About ADHD Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. They can also be misdiagnosed as other disorders and delay the referral.

It is crucial to understand and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is difficult to diagnose, especially in women. Many of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't 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 may resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.

The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of their activities and adhere to routines. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other obligations.

While  adhd symptoms women  of ADHD has soared thanks to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are causing 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 since there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to get an appointment.

The first step to getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is essential to mention to your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and request a referral. You must also provide the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and help speed up the process. You can also try to obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.

2. Speak with your doctor

Women with ADHD can be harder to recognize than men, partly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly when they are adults. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems which could be detrimental to their health. A few of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.

Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should ask you about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services are long and in some cases, it is difficult to refer someone due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.

It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.

Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.

You should also ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be helpful for you. They can be very beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified teacher. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD tend to find their symptoms less obvious than males. This could be due to the fact that females don't display as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it harder to identify them. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any signs. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships particularly with males.

Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. 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 could also be susceptible to self-doubt and depression. Additionally, they can have trouble with their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.

Despite these challenges there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online and in person. These groups are a great place to get advice about diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as how to manage your condition.

There are numerous adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals, and successes. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can also reach them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join a future event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD can face unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings, and anger.

Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your day.

Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social atmosphere, join a group class or a gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own. It should be paired with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.