15 Top ADHD Women UK Bloggers You Should Follow
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. They may also be mistaken for other disorders and this can delay the diagnosis. Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Transitional periods such as adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD isn't easy to recognize in adulthood, particularly for women. Many of the symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women typically struggle to concentrate or sit still. They could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. ADHD is also more often observed in men and boys 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 can also hide symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely to get noticed by their teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and feelings. The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It can also be difficult for them to follow routines and stay on top of their tasks. This can impact 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, the long wait times for assessments are creating stress and frustration for people who haven't been able to access the help they need. adhd in women symptoms is particularly true for those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to secure an appointment. The first step to get an assessment is to see your GP. You should tell your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You should also explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to assist in the speedy process. You may also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare. 2. Speak to your doctor Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to recognize, in part because their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood might not be as obvious. These strategies can be harmful since they can attempt to hide their problems. This includes drinking heavily or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teens, unplanned and early pregnancies. Doctors will take any complaint of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then, they will direct you to the appropriate service for you. This usually is a mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service. The wait times for these services can be long and in some instances it is difficult to get diagnosed because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the individual's difficulties are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) instead of ADHD symptoms. It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is especially helpful for those suffering from ADHD. Managing ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms, and dietary changes can also make a difference. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. A diet rich in sugars and junk food may exacerbate these symptoms. You should also inquire with your GP whether mindfulness-based methods, such as meditation, could be beneficial for you. They can be very useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator. 3. Find a support group Women with ADHD might have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females do not have as many hyperactive, impulsive symptoms as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to ruptures or broken relationships particularly with men. Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at work and school. They can have trouble following directions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They can be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their work performance and their career. The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD in women include difficulty paying attention, forgetting things easily, and poor organisation. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. Additionally, they can have trouble with their emotions and are frequently misunderstood by others. For instance mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration. Despite these difficulties There are still plenty of resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective options is a support program specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are accessible both online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your condition. If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. For instance the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults suffering from ADHD to talk about their challenges, achievements and aspirations. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can also contact them with any questions you may have or if you'd like the opportunity to attend an upcoming event. 4. Exercise Women who suffer from ADHD have particular issues that make it more difficult to manage their symptoms, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability. Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reducing stress. It also helps control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. Make sure to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine. Exercise at home or, if you want to socialize take part in a group or join a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD however, it will not fix them completely on its own. It should be paired with other symptom-management strategies. The goal should be 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.