20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In ADHD Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the signs aren't as obvious. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay the referral.

Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose, especially in women.  adhd in women checklist  of the symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They could be misdiagnosed as having mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.

ADHD is often observed in males and females So doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis because women aren't referred as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and feelings.

The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They may be unable to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This can impact their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has increased due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is frustrating and stressful for those who aren't in a position to get the help they need. This is especially applicable to those on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.

The first step in getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may have ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for a referral. It is also important to explain 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 consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women with ADHD can be harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as evident, especially when they are adults. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems which could be detrimental to their health. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.

GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then they will refer you to the best service for you - this typically a community mental health service or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it can be difficult to be referrals because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.

It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication and dietary changes may help reduce your symptoms. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can cause these symptoms to worsen.

It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial to you as they can be very effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified teacher. You can find one near you by using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women who suffer from ADHD often notice their symptoms are less apparent than those with ADHD. This is probably because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it harder to identify them. However, this isn't to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained relationships, particularly with men.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have difficulty following directions and keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which could negatively impact their career and job performance.

Women with adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also have difficulties communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For example mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.

Despite  attention deficit disorder in women , there are still many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.

There are numerous adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals, and accomplishments. The meeting details are available on their Facebook page and website. You can also reach them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join an upcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.

Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions by releasing positive hormones and reduce stress. Plus, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and focus. Try to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.

Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social atmosphere you can join a class or a gym. Be aware that although exercise can 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 strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.