Why No One Cares 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 can also be misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis.
Signs of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence can cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can be hard to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. This is due to the fact that many symptoms are different for females. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it's more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis because females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping methods like wearing make-up or putting on a show to conceal their feelings and behaviour.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe when women experience perimenopausal or menopausal. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of things and adhere to routines. This can affect their ability to manage their work, home and other responsibilities.
While awareness of ADHD has risen due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for assessments are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't able to access the help they need. This is particularly applicable to those who are on the NHS since there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD assessments. It can take a long time to make an appointment.
The first step to getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request a referral. You must also provide the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment through private healthcare.
2. Talk to your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are often harder to identify than men, partly because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly in adulthood. These strategies can be harmful, as they may try to cover up their problems. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD may also be more susceptible to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, early and unplanned pregnancies.
Doctors take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then recommend a treatment that is the most appropriate for you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
Waiting times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue is not taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP doesn't know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are caused by other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.
After you've been referred to a therapist to a therapist, you must select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a long-term process. Medication and dietary changes may aid in reducing your symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
It's also worth talking with your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be useful for you as they can be extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained teacher. 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 those with ADHD. This is probably because females don't exhibit as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they aren't suffering from any symptoms. They might have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women who have inattentive ADHD might be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping the track of commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. 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 are not well organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. In addition, they may be troubled by their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For attention deficit disorder in women , mood swings could be interpreted as a sudden rage or anger.
Despite these issues, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are available both online as well as in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well how to manage your illness.
If you're looking for 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 provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and aspirations. The meeting details on their website or their Facebook page. You can also contact them with questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend a future event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD can face particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes may cause or exacerbate emotional issues such as mood swings, and irritability.
Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by releasing happy hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help manage excess energy, and increase focus and improve attention. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.
Try exercising at home, or if you prefer a more social environment, join a group class or a gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms however it cannot solve the symptoms. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. It is recommended to aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.