20 Myths About ADHD Women UK: Busted
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as obvious. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions and delay the diagnosis. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and worsen ADHD in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD can be difficult to identify in adulthood, especially for women. This is because many of the symptoms differ for females. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They may be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. ADHD is also more often seen in boys and men and doctors may not be knowledgeable about the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, since females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their face with makeup or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviors. The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are going through menopause or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to stay on top of things and follow routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other obligations. Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to receive the help they need. This is particularly 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 to getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is essential to mention to your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to take this seriously and request a referral. You should also explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. add women can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare. 2. Speak to your doctor Women with ADHD are often harder to identify than men, in part because the symptoms are not as evident, especially in adulthood. They may develop strategies to conceal their issues, and these can be extremely damaging. A few of these include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in risky 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 have a higher rate of sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy. Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate 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 cases, it is difficult to get referred due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or they think that the person's challenges are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms. It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for people suffering from ADHD. The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. adhd in adults women of medication and diet changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can cause these symptoms to worsen. It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices 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 trained teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD tend to find their symptoms less obvious than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to identify them. This doesn't mean they are not suffering from symptoms. In reality, they may have inattentive ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize. Additionally, they may struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved relationships particularly with men. Women who have inattentive ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties with school and work. They may have difficulty following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of their commitments. They might 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 work performance and career. Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also struggle with their emotions and are often not understood by others. For example mood swings could be seen as an expression of anger or frustration. Despite these challenges there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program that is designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These groups are available online or in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for children and adults, and also how to manage your illness. There are numerous adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults with ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and aspirations. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can reach them with any questions or want to attend an forthcoming event. 4. Exercise Women suffering from ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability. Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Make sure to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your day. Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social setting you can join a class or gym. Remember that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely by itself – it must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.