“Ask Me Anything”: Ten Answers To Your Questions About ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less obvious. They can also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay referral. It is crucial to understand and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD. Periods of transition such as adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is difficult to diagnose, especially in women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. ADHD is often seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be knowledgeable about the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because women aren't referred as swiftly. Girls are also able to hide 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 hiding behind makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and feelings. The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They might also find it harder to keep track of things and follow routines. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities. While awareness of ADHD has risen due to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly applicable to those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to secure an appointment. The first step to receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you think you may have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and request an appointment. You must also state the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can aid in speeding up the process. You can also try to receive an assessment through private healthcare. 2. Talk to your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age might not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their issues. A few 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 activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies. GPs take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is most suitable for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service. The wait times for these services can be long and, in some instances, it is difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness how the issue is addressed. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or they believe that the person's problems are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms. Once you've been referred to a therapist, you must select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and is willing to work with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD. Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can cause these symptoms to worsen. You should also inquire with your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation, might be beneficial to you. They are helpful in helping those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate the nearest provider. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. This is probably because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This can make it harder to diagnose them. This doesn't mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are harder to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. In addition, they could struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly with males. Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. undiagnosed adhd in women can lead to burnout that can negatively impact their career and job performance. Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily, and poor organisation. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They may also have trouble expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For example, mood changes can be misinterpreted as sudden rage or anger. Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups can be found online or in person. These groups are a great place to get advice about diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition. There are numerous adult ADHD support groups in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to share their challenges, achievements and goals. The meeting details on their website and Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions in the event that you'd like to join a future event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms like mood fluctuation and irritability. Exercise can ease these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps control excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day. Exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social, join a group or join 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 for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.