ADHD in Women and Girls

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

It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is difficult to diagnose particularly in women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.

Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by parents or teachers. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.

The symptoms of adhd inattentive type in women (visit the site) can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They may be unable to keep track of their activities and adhere to routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work 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, waiting for assessments is frustrating and stressful for those who aren't successful in getting the assistance they require. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS, as there is only a handful of doctors who can carry out ADHD assessments. It can take years to obtain an appointment.

The first step to receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. You must inform your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and will request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment via the private healthcare route.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women who suffer from adhd in older women can be harder to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't as evident, especially as an adult. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have more sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancy.

The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is most suitable for you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances it can be difficult to be referred because of the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult adhd in women ADHD or believes that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.

It is crucial to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.

Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can help to reduce the symptoms. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. a radical guide for women with adhd diet rich in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.

It is also advisable to ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices like meditation might be helpful for you. They can be extremely helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained teacher. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD typically find their symptoms less obvious than males. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify them. This doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognise. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause tensions in relationships, especially with males.

Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions and juggling deadlines and meeting commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and their career.

Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted, and are not well organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may struggle with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are many resources for adults with ADHD. One of the best options is a support program designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as how to manage your condition.

There are many adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and aspirations. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page and website. You can reach them if you have any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and irritability.

Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reducing stress. It can also help for women with adhd to control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.

Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a more social environment, join a group class or a gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to fix them completely on its own. It must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.