7 Small Changes That Will Make A Huge Difference In Your ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. It is possible to mistake them for other disorders and this can delay the diagnosis. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD need to be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. Transitional periods such as adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in women. This is because many of the symptoms differ for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. They could be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to get noticed by parents or teachers. They may resort to strategies to cope, like hiding behind makeup or acting out to hide their behavior and emotions. The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. They may also have difficulty to stay on top of things and stick to routines. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities. Waiting times for assessments can cause stress and frustration to those who aren't able to get the help they need. This can be particularly relevant for those on the NHS since there are a small number of doctors who can perform ADHD tests and it could take years to secure an appointment. The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to tell your GP that you believe you may have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You can also try to obtain an evaluation from private healthcare. 2. Speak to your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults aren't always evident. They may develop strategies to cover up their problems, and these can be extremely damaging. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to create social connections by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies. GPs take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs. This is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service. The waiting times for these services can be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's issues are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD. Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and diet changes can make a difference too. For instance, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. A diet that is high in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms. You should also ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They are beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified 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 might exhibit less obvious symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. But, that's not to suggest that they don't have any signs. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause difficult relationships, especially with men. Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle at school and work. They can have trouble following directions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable 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. The most frequent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and a lack of organization. They could also be susceptible to self-doubt and depression. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration. Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are an excellent way to receive advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well how to manage your condition. There are numerous adult ADHD support groups across the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals, and successes. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or on their website. You can reach them with any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event. 4. Exercise Women who suffer from ADHD can face particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability. Exercise can ease the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. Additionally, it can help reduce excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day. Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a more social environment you can join a class or a gym. Be aware that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own. adhd symptoms women should be paired with other strategies to manage symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.