25 Unexpected Facts About ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as obvious. They can also be mistaken for other conditions, which could delay referral. The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD should be investigated and treated as needed. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly for women. This is because many symptoms are different for females. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like anxiety or depression. Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis because women aren't referred as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to hide their behavior and emotions. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of things and stick to routines. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations. While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for people who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This can be particularly the case for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment. The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to be attentive and ask for a referral. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternately, you can attempt to obtain an assessment through private healthcare. 2. Talk to your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, in part because the symptoms are not as evident, especially as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems which could be detrimental to their health. Some of these include drinking excessively smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have more sexually transmitted diseases, teens, unplanned and early pregnancies. Doctors take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This typically a community mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service. The waiting times for the services may be long, and in some cases it can be 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 caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help reduce your symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. A diet high in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms. You should also ask your GP if mindfulness-based techniques like meditation might be helpful for you. They can be very helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a certified instructor. You can locate a teacher near you using the NHS service locator. 3. Find a support group Women with ADHD might exhibit more subtle symptoms than males. This could be because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with men. Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These issues can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their performance at work and their professional career. Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They could also be susceptible to self-doubt and depression. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger. Despite these challenges there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available both online as well as in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on diagnostic methods for adults and children, and also how to manage your illness. If you're seeking 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 provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The details of the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join an upcoming event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD have particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuation and irritability. Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and attention. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your day. Try exercising at signs of add in adult women , or, if you prefer a social setting, join a group class or a gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own – it must be combined with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.