“Ask Me Anything”: Ten Responses To Your Questions About ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay the referral. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders among females with ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. The transitional phases of adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD is difficult to identify, especially in women. adhd in women treatment is because a lot of the symptoms differ in females. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, women often have difficulty concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred 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 methods, such as hiding behind make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviors. Symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. It can also be difficult to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other obligations. While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait for assessments is frustrating and stressful for those who aren't successful in getting the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those who are on the NHS since 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 an assessment is to see your GP. It is crucial to tell your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD because they'll need to be attentive and request a referral. You should also explain the reasons you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment through private healthcare. 2. Speak with your doctor Women with ADHD can be harder to identify than men, in part because the symptoms are not as evident, especially in adulthood. They may develop compensatory strategies to conceal their issues and they can be extremely damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies. The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will refer you to the appropriate service for your needs. This typically 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 be referrals because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or believe that the individual's issues are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms. If you've been recommended to a therapist, you must select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition, and will work with your ADHD problems. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD. The management of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. The use of medication can reduce certain symptoms, and dietary changes can also make a difference. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less apparent. On the other hand, a diet high in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms. It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation might be beneficial to you because they can be extremely effective in helping people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified teacher. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator. 3. Find a support group Women with ADHD may have less apparent symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in difficult relationships, especially with males. Women with inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have difficulty following directions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which could negatively impact their career and job performance. The most frequent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, forgetting things easily and having a poor organization. They could also be susceptible to depression and self-doubt. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are often thought of as a victim by other people. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden outburst anger or frustration. Despite these challenges there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are accessible online and in person. They are a great way to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your condition. There are many adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The information on the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions you may have or if you'd like the opportunity to attend an upcoming event. 4. Exercise Women with ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and anger. Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and reduce stress. It can also help to manage excess energy, and increase focus and improve attention. So, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily. Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social atmosphere, join a group class or gym. Remember that although exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD but it's not going to solve them all on its own – it must be combined with other strategies for managing symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.