7 Simple Changes That Will Make The Biggest Difference In Your ADHD Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are not as obvious. They can also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay the diagnosis.

It is essential to investigate and treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in certain women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD isn't easy to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. A lot of the symptoms differ for women. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.

ADHD is often seen in boys and men, so doctors might not be aware of the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls can also hide symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They may resort to strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to hide their behavior and emotions.

Symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that make them more prone to mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and manage their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

Waiting times for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they need. This is particularly relevant for those who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.

The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is important to tell your GP that you believe you may have ADHD since they will have to take this seriously and request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons behind why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also receive an evaluation through private healthcare.

2. Speak with your doctor

Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, in part because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly as an adult. These strategies can be harmful, since they can try to conceal their issues. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk actions. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.

Doctors take reports of ADHD very seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will recommend the most appropriate service for you. This is usually a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services can be long and, in some instances it can be difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's problems are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) rather than ADHD symptoms.

It is essential to choose a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work with you in addressing your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD.

The management of ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication and dietary changes may aid in reducing your symptoms. For example, eating a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. A diet rich in sugars and junk foods can increase the severity of these symptoms.

It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial for you as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate a provider near you.

3. Find a support group

Women who suffer from ADHD typically have less visible symptoms than males. This could be because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. However, this is not to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to have difficulties with work and school. They may have difficulty following directions, keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their performance at work and career.

Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For example, mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.

Despite these challenges there are many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet as well as in person. These groups are an excellent way to seek advice on diagnostic methods for adults and children, as well as how to manage your condition.

If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK.  inattentive add in women , for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and goals. The meeting details on their website or Facebook page. You can reach them if you have any questions or want to attend an forthcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women who suffer from ADHD have unique difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritation.

Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and improve focus and attention. Therefore, try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your day.

Do your exercise at home, or, if your goal is to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate the symptoms. It should be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.