The Reason The Biggest "Myths" About ADHD Women UK Could Actually Be True
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the signs aren't as evident. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders, which can delay the referral.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. Periods of transition such as pregnancy and adolescence can reveal and worsen ADHD symptoms in certain women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose, especially in women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different for females. While men are more active and impulsive, women often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis since females aren't often referred to as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to hide their behavior and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because they can have hormonal fluctuations that can cause them to be more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other obligations.
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 people who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This is especially true for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and request an appointment. You must also state why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. Alternately, you can try to get an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful, because they might try to cover up their problems. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. add symptoms in women who suffer from ADHD can also have increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will ask you about your symptoms. Then they will recommend the most appropriate service for you - this is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to be referred because the problem is not taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is not aware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) rather than ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Treatment and dietary changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet high in sugars and junk food may cause these symptoms to worsen.
It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques like meditation could be useful for you because they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This could be because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they don't have any symptoms. In reality, they may be afflicted with inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause broken relationships or even breakups, especially with men.
Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle at school and work. They can have trouble following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their job and career.
Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and are not organized. They can also be prone to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may struggle with their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For instance mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found on the internet and in person. They are great ways to get advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, and also how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and achievements. The information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can reach them with any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD may face unique issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Plus, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and focus. So, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.
Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social setting take part in a group class or gym. Be aware that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to cure them all on its own - it is best to combine it with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.