25 Surprising Facts About ADHD Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less apparent for females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, which could delay the referral.

It is essential to investigate and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in certain women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can be difficult to recognize in adulthood, especially for women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different in females. For instance, while males tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. This means that they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.

ADHD is more frequently observed in men and boys, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This can lead to delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males, making them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They may use coping techniques, such as hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their emotions and behavior.

The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. They might be unable to stay on top of things and follow routines. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting for assessments is causing stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the help they need. This is especially true for those on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is seeing your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you believe you might have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You may also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially when they are adults. They might develop strategies to hide their problems, and these can be extremely damaging. Some of these include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.

The GPs will take any reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. Then, they will recommend the most appropriate service for your needs. This is usually a community mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services are long and, in some instances, it is difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or they think that the person's challenges are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.

It is important that you choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to collaborate with your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and diet modifications can also make a difference. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in junk food and sugar can worsen the symptoms.

It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial for you as they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a qualified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD typically notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to identify them. However, this isn't to suggest that they don't have any signs. In reality, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to detect. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups particularly with men.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to struggle with school and work. They may have trouble following directions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of commitments. They might also find it difficult 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 professional career.

Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily, and poor organisation. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are offered both online as well as in person. They are an excellent way to receive information on the diagnosis process for children and adults, as well as tips on how to manage your illness.

There are many 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 environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and achievements. The details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can reach them if you have any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional symptoms like mood fluctuations and irritability.

Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Additionally,  high functioning adhd in women  can help to reduce stress and increase focus and attention. Try to include regular exercise into your daily routine.

Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a social atmosphere you can join a class or a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own. 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.