15 Of The Top ADHD Women UK Bloggers You Need To Follow

ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less evident for females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders and delay the diagnosis. It is essential to investigate and address the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. Periods of transition such as adolescence and pregnancy can also cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women. 1. Get a diagnosis ADHD can be difficult to recognize in adulthood, especially for women. The symptoms are different for women. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more common in men and boys. This can cause delays in diagnosis, since females aren't referred to doctors as frequently. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than males and are less likely to be 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 are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that can make them more susceptible to mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and manage their tasks. This can impact their ability to manage their work, home and other obligations. While awareness of ADHD has soared thanks to prominent personalities such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for tests are frustrating and stressful for those who haven't been in a position to get the help they need. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS since there are a limited number of doctors who carry out ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment. The first step in getting the diagnosis is to visit your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you have ADHD. They will consider this a serious matter and request an appointment. You must also provide the reasons why you think you might have ADHD. You can download a support letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and aid in speeding up the process. Alternately, you can attempt to obtain an assessment through private healthcare. 2. Talk with adhd in women uk with ADHD are often harder to diagnose than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as obvious, especially when they are adults. They might develop strategies to hide their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build social support through high risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in more sexually transmitted diseases and teens who are unplanned and have early-stage pregnancy. The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously, and should inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. Then they will recommend the most appropriate service for you – this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialized Neurodevelopmental Service. The wait times for these services are lengthy and in some cases it can be difficult to get referred due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is treated. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's problems are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or abuse of substances) rather than ADHD symptoms. It is important that you choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work with you in addressing your ADHD challenges. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD. Managing ADHD symptoms requires a lifetime commitment. Treatment and dietary changes can help reduce your symptoms. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. On the other hand, a diet high in junk food and sugar can increase these symptoms. You should also inquire with your GP if mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation might be helpful for you. They are useful in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a certified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate a provider near you. 3. Find a support group Women who suffer from ADHD may have more subtle symptoms than males. This could be due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult for them to be diagnosed. But, that's not to say that they don't have any symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are harder to detect. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained or dissolved relationships, especially with men. Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at work and school. They may have difficulty following instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of their commitments. They can also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or receiving positive feedback at work. These challenges can lead them to burnout, which can have a negative impact on their career and job performance. Women with adult ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and are not organized. They may also be susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have difficulties expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For instance mood swings could be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration. Despite these challenges, there are still many resources for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are offered on the internet as well as in person. These groups are a great way to seek advice on the diagnosis options for children and adults, as well how to manage your illness. If you're seeking an adult ADHD support group, there are a number in the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals and accomplishments. The meeting details on their website or Facebook page. You can also contact them with any questions or if you'd like the opportunity to attend the next event. 4. Exercise Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability. Exercise can ease the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and decreasing stress. In addition, it helps control excess energy and improve focus and attention. So, try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day. Do your exercise at home, or, if you want to socialize join a club or gym. Remember that although exercising can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't fix them completely on its own – it must be combined with other strategies to manage symptoms. The ideal goal is to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.