ADHD Women UK: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as obvious. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.

It is essential to investigate and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy and adolescence may reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in some women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose, especially in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

ADHD is often observed in males and females and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't often referred to as quickly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This means they are less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might use strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and feelings.

Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.

Assessments that are delayed for a long time can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to receive the help they need. This is especially the case for those on the NHS, as there is only a handful of doctors that can carry out ADHD tests and it could take years to secure an appointment.

The first step to get an assessment is to see your GP. It is crucial to inform your GP that you believe you may have ADHD since they will have 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 letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Talk with your doctor

Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify, in part because their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood 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, and trying to create social connections by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to have a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies.

Doctors take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services can be long and in some cases, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes that the person's problems are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms.

If  adhd in adult women test 've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to work with your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for those suffering from ADHD.

The management of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. For  inattentive add in women , eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk food can increase these symptoms.

You should also ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be extremely helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. You can locate a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD typically notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to suggest that they don't have any signs. They could have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to ruptures or broken relationships particularly with males.

Women with inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble adhering to instructions, keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their job and career.

Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and are not organized. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They may also have difficulties in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For example mood swings could be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.

Despite these issues, there are still many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.

There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and goals. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page and website. Contact them with any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.

4. Exercise

Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritation.

Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by producing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. It also helps control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to include a regular workout routine into your day.

Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere, join a group class or gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms, but it will not cure the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.