What The Heck Is ADHD Women UK?

ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less apparent for females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions which may delay the diagnosis.

It is crucial to understand and manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. For instance, while males tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

ADHD is also more often observed in males and females, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as quickly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely get noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to strategies for coping, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.

The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is because they experience hormonal fluctuations that make them more prone to mood swings. It can also be difficult to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for assessments are frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been successful in getting the help they need. This is especially applicable to those on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You should also explain the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also get an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Talk with your doctor

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly as they age might not be as obvious. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems, and these can be very damaging. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teens, early and unplanned pregnancies.

Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then direct you to the best service for your needs. This typically a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services are lengthy and in some cases, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or they believe that the person's problems are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.

It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less noticeable. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can increase these symptoms.

More  should also ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be very useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD tend to find their symptoms less obvious than males. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify them. However, this does not mean they do not have symptoms. In fact, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to recognize. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in tensions in relationships, especially with men.

Women who have inattentive ADHD may be more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions in completing deadlines and keeping track of commitments. They can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative impact on their performance at work and career.

Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often misinterpreted. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are a great way to receive advice on the diagnosis options for both children and adults and also how to manage your illness.

There are a variety of 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 achievements. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or website. Contact them with any questions or want to attend an forthcoming 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 can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood swings and irritability.

Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Try to include regular exercise into your day.

Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to socialize, join a group or gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not solve them all by itself - it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.