15 Best ADHD Women UK Bloggers You Should Follow
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ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less evident. They can also be mistaken for other conditions, which could delay the referral.
It is important to explore and manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders among females suffering from ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is difficult to diagnose, especially in understanding women with adhd. Many of the symptoms differ for women. For example, while men tend to have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, most women have difficulty in concentrating or staying still. They might be misdiagnosed as having mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
ADHD is also more often observed in males and females, so doctors might not be aware of the condition. This can cause delays in diagnosis because women aren't referred as frequently. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than males. This makes them less likely be noticed by teachers or parents. They might resort to strategies for coping, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to disguise their behaviour and feelings.
The symptoms of ADHD can get worse when women experience perimenopausal or menopause. This is because they have hormonal fluctuations that can make them more prone to mood swings. They may also find it harder to keep track of things and follow routines. This could affect their ability to manage their home, work and other obligations.
Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger to those who aren't able to get the help they require. This is especially true for those who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD tests. It can take years to secure an appointment.
The first step in obtaining the diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is important to inform your GP you believe you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons why you think you may be suffering from adhd assessment women. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and aid in speeding up the process. You can also try to get an assessment through the private healthcare route.
2. Speak with your doctor
Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose than men, partly because the signs aren't so obvious, particularly when they are adults. These strategies can be harmful as they may try to conceal their problems. Some of these include excessive drinking smoking cannabis, or trying to build social support by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. prostitution, gangs and other criminal activities). Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted illnesses and teens, unplanned and early pregnancy.
GPs take reports of ADHD extremely seriously and will ask about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the best service for your needs. This usually is a mental health service or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services can be lengthy In some instances, it can be difficult to be referrals because the issue isn't taken seriously enough. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are due to other factors (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
If you've been recommended to a therapist, you must select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the attention deficit disorder in women and will work with your Adhd assessment for women issues. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD.
The management of ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process that can last for a lifetime. Medication and dietary changes may aid in reducing your symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.
It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation might be beneficial to you. They can be very useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD often notice their symptoms are less apparent than men. This is likely because females don't exhibit as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify them. However, this isn't to suggest that they don't have any symptoms. In fact, they may have inattention ADHD symptoms which are more difficult to detect. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty adhering to instructions and keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They might be unable to accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback from their workplace. These challenges can lead to burnout, which could have a negative impact on their work performance and their professional career.
Women who suffer from adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They may also be prone self-doubt and depression. They can also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and are often misunderstood. For instance, changes in mood can be misinterpreted as sudden eruption of anger or frustration.
Despite these challenges there are a lot of resources available to adults with ADHD. One of the most effective options is an intervention program specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups can be found online and in person. They are an excellent way to receive advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children and also how to manage your illness.
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 offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to share their struggles, successes and hopes. The details of the meeting on their website or their Facebook page. You can also reach them with any questions you may have or if you'd like the opportunity to attend the next event.
4. Exercise
Women suffering from 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 symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and irritability.
Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by release of feel-good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help to manage excess energy, and increase focus and concentration. Try to incorporate an exercise routine that you regularly do in your day.
Do your exercise at home, or, if you'd like to be social join a club or join a gym. Be aware that although exercise can alleviate certain symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. The ideal goal is to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week.