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Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less obvious for females. They can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions and delay referral.

The signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and treated in the appropriate way. Transitional periods such as adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in certain women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is difficult to identify particularly for women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ in females. While men tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

ADHD is more frequently observed in males and females and doctors may not be aware of the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females aren't seen by doctors as quickly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than boys, making them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may use coping techniques that include hiding behind make-up or acting out to disguise their feelings and behaviour.

Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They might be unable to stay on top of things and adhere to routines. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

adhd in women uk that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to receive the help they need. This is especially relevant for those who are who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who can perform ADHD assessments. It can take years to make an appointment.

The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to tell your GP that you think you might have ADHD because they'll need to take it seriously and request a referral. It is also important to explain the reasons behind 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 could also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.

2. Talk with your doctor


Women with ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, partly because the symptoms are not so obvious, particularly in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to cover up their issues. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build support for their friends through high risk activities (e.g. crime, gangs, and promiscuity activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early-stage pregnancy.

GPs take reports of ADHD very serious and will inquire about your symptoms. Then they will direct you to the most appropriate service for you. This typically a community mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of the existence of adult ADHD or believes the person's issues are due to other causes (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) instead of ADHD symptoms.

If you've been recommended, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people suffering from ADHD.

Managing ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms, and diet changes can also make a difference. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in junk food and sugar can exacerbate these symptoms.

It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be helpful for you. They are beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD typically notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This could be because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed. But, that's not to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattention ADHD. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained relationships, particularly with men.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They can have trouble following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and keeping promises. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance.

Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.

Despite these issues, there are still many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be found online or in person. They are a great way to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children as well as how to manage your illness.

There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe and secure environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their struggles, goals and achievements. The information about the meeting can be found on their Facebook page or website. Contact them if you have any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate emotional problems like mood swings and irritability.

Exercise can ease these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps reduce excess energy and increase focus and concentration. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.

Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a more social environment take part in a group class or a gym. Exercise can alleviate certain 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.

My Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/