10 Untrue Answers To Common ADHD Women UK Questions Do You Know The Correct Answers?
ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often go undiagnosed for ADHD as symptoms are less apparent in females. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay the referral.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. add symptoms in adult women as pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble in concentrating or staying still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it's more prevalent in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as often. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to be noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies that include wearing make-up or acting out to hide their feelings and behaviour.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is because hormonal fluctuations can cause them to be more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to get the help they need. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS, as there is only a handful of doctors that can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step in getting an assessment is to see your GP. It is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can assist in the speedy process. You could also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they are adults aren't always evident. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to conceal their issues. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. Then they will refer you to the best service for your needs. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to get diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are caused by something else (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. A diet rich in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be beneficial to you as they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit less apparent symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this does not mean they don't have symptoms. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognise. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause tensions in relationships, especially with men.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions and keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their job performance and their 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. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are frequently thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for adults and children, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of 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 space for adults with ADHD who want to share their challenges, goals and achievements. You can find the information on the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD can face particular challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and anger.
Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reducing stress. It can also help manage excess energy, and increase focus and concentration. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social take part in a group or join a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD however, it will not solve them all by itself - it is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.