The Biggest “Myths” Concerning ADHD Women UK Could Actually Be Accurate
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women and girls because the symptoms are less obvious. They are also often misdiagnosed as other disorders, which can delay referral. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be explored and treated in the appropriate way. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some 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 instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, a lot of women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. They could be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys So doctors may not be aware of the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females aren't seen by doctors as quickly. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than boys, making them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and feelings. Symptoms of ADHD can become more severe as women enter perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can cause mood swings. It could also be challenging to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities. The waiting time for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration to those who aren't able to receive the assistance they need. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors that can carry out ADHD tests and it could take years to get an appointment. The first step in getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request a referral. 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 get an evaluation from private healthcare. 2. Speak with your doctor Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to identify than men, mainly because the signs aren't as obvious, especially as an adult. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to cover up their problems. adhd symptoms in adult women of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in risky activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD can also have increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies. The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is the most appropriate for you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service. The waiting times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances, it is difficult to refer someone because of the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP isn't aware of adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms. It is essential to select a therapist with ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD issues. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for people with ADHD. Managing ADHD symptoms is a long-term process that can last for a lifetime. The use of medication can reduce certain symptoms, and diet modifications can also make a difference. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less apparent. A diet high in sugars and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms. It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be useful for you as they can be very effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified teacher. You can find one near you using the NHS service locator. 3. Find a support group Women with ADHD might exhibit less apparent symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to identify them. This does not mean that they are not suffering from symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. In addition, they could struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can result in strained relationships, particularly with males. Women who suffer from inattention ADHD are more likely to struggle with work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which can negatively impact their career and job performance. Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They might also be prone to depression and self-doubt. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For instance mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration. Despite these challenges, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found online or in person. These groups are a great place to seek advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well as how to manage your illness. There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe space for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and achievements. The meeting details can be found on their Facebook page or website. Contact them if you have any questions or want to attend an scheduled event. 4. Exercise Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and irritation. Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Additionally, it can help control excess energy and improve concentration and focus. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your day. Exercise at home or, if you want to be social take part in a group or gym. Exercise can alleviate some ADHD symptoms but it can't solve the symptoms. It should be incorporated with other strategies to manage symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.