Ten Apps To Help Control Your ADHD Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as evident. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence can reveal and exacerbate ADHD in women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. This is because many of the symptoms differ for females. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble being able to concentrate or sit still. They could be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.
Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD because it is more common in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis as females aren't often referred to as quickly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely get noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies for coping, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopause or perimenopausal. This is because they can be affected by hormonal changes that cause mood swings. It could also be challenging to keep track of routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, long wait times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't successful in getting the assistance they require. This is especially applicable to those who are on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.
The first step to receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is crucial to tell your GP that you think you might have ADHD since they will have to be attentive and request an appointment. You should also explain the reasons why you think you have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and assist in the speedy process. You could also get an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood might not be as evident. These strategies can be harmful because they might attempt to hide their issues. Some of them include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is best suited to you. This is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The wait times for these services are long and in some cases, it is difficult to be referred due to the lack of seriousness which the problem is treated. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD or they believe that the individual's issues are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to collaborate with your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and diet changes can help. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food may cause these symptoms to worsen.
You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be very useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods from a qualified instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women who suffer from ADHD might have more subtle symptoms than males. adult adhd symptoms women could be because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. adult adhd symptoms women makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any signs. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to difficult relationships, especially with males.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD may be more likely to struggle at school and work. They can have trouble adhering to instructions and juggling deadlines and keeping promises. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which could negatively impact their career and job performance.
Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and aren't organized. They can also be prone to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, they can be troubled by their emotions and are often misunderstood by others. For instance, mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are offered on the internet and in person. They are a great way to get guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children and also how to manage your condition.
If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, successes and hopes. You can find the details of the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. Contact them with any questions or wish to attend an forthcoming event.
4. Exercise
Women who suffer from ADHD have particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, by release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. Plus, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and focus. So, try to include a regular workout routine into your daily.
Exercise at home or, if you'd like to socialize join a club or join a gym. Be aware that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all on its own. It should be paired with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.