10 Apps To Help Manage Your ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD since symptoms are more obvious in females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders which may delay referral.
adult add in women is important to explore and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD isn't easy to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, women often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
ADHD is often observed in males and females and doctors may not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as swiftly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely be noticed by their teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques like wearing make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. This is due to the fact that they be affected by hormonal changes that cause mood swings. It can also be difficult to keep track of routines and manage their tasks. This can affect their ability to manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait for assessments is frustrating and stressful for those who aren't in a position to get the assistance they require. This can be particularly relevant for those on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors who can conduct ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to tell your GP that you believe you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to be attentive and request a referral. You must also provide the reasons why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to aid in speeding up the process. You may also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, especially as they age, may not be as evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to cover up their problems and they can be extremely damaging. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will refer you to the most appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to be referrals because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD or believe that the person's problems are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Medication and dietary changes may help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less apparent. A diet high in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate the nearest provider.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This could be because females don't exhibit as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this isn't to suggest that they don't have any signs. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. In addition, they can have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to experience problems at school and at work. They may have difficulty following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of commitments. More methods can also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are often not understood by others. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online or in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to share their challenges, achievements and goals. The meeting details on their website or Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms, such as mood fluctuation and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, by release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. In addition, it helps reduce excess energy and improve concentration and attention. Make sure to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your daily routine.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social setting, join a group class or a gym. Exercise can help with certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies to treat symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.