ADHD in Women and Girls<br /><br />ADHD is often not properly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are not as obvious. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other conditions which may delay the referral.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">adhd test for women</a> of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females suffering from ADHD need to be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, adolescence or pregnancy can also reveal and exacerbate ADHD in certain women.<br /><br />1. Get a diagnosis<br /><br />ADHD can be hard to identify in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms are different for women. While men are more hyperactive and impulsive, females often have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Because of this, they can be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Doctors may not be well-versed with ADHD because it is more prevalent in males and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis as females often don't get referred as swiftly. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than boys which makes them less likely to be observed by parents or teachers. They might use strategies to cope, like concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and emotions.<br /><br />The symptoms of ADHD are more severe in women who are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is due to the fact that they experience hormonal fluctuations that make them more prone to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to stay on top of things and follow routines. This could affect how they manage their work, home and other obligations.<br /><br />Assessments that are delayed for a long time can cause stress and anger for those who are unable to receive the help they need. This is especially relevant for those on the NHS since there are only a handful of doctors who carry out ADHD assessments and it can take years to get an appointment.<br /><br />The first step to getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. You should tell your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will take this seriously and will request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons behind why you think you may have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP to help speed up the process. You may also get an evaluation from private healthcare.<br /><br />2. Speak to your doctor<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, particularly when they reach adulthood aren't always evident. These strategies can be harmful since they can try to cover up their issues. Some of them include excessive drinking, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activities are just a few examples of high-risk actions. Girls with ADHD are also more likely to experience an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases, teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancies.<br /><br />The GP will take any reports of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then refer you to the best service for you - this usually is a mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.<br /><br />The waiting times for these services can be long, and in some cases 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 they think that the person's challenges are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />If you've been recommended, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the condition, and is willing to work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.<br /><br />Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a long-term commitment. Medication can help to reduce certain symptoms, and dietary changes can help. For example, eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can make your symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less pronounced. On the other side, a diet that is high in sugar and junk foods can exacerbate these symptoms.<br /><br />It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation might be beneficial for you as they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques with a certified instructor. You can find a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.<br /><br />3. Find a support group<br /><br />Women with ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females don't have as many symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This makes it more difficult to identify them. However, this isn't to say that they don't have any symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. In addition, they could struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved relationships particularly with men.<br /><br />Women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following instructions in completing deadlines and keeping track of commitments. They might also have difficulty accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can cause burnout, which can have a negative effect on their job performance and their career.<br /><br />Women who suffer from adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and are not organized. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They may also have difficulties communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For example, mood changes could be interpreted as a sudden rage or anger.<br /><br />Despite these challenges there are many options for adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are accessible both online and in person. These groups are a great way to get advice about diagnostic methods for children and adults, as well how to manage your condition.<br /><br />There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups throughout the UK. For instance, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe space for adults suffering from ADHD to discuss their struggles, successes and goals. The information on the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.<br /><br />4. Exercise<br /><br />Women with ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles and menopause. These hormonal changes may cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and irritability.<br /><br />Exercise can help reduce the symptoms by release of feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It can also help to control excess energy, improve focus and attention. Try to include a regular exercise routine in your day.<br /><br /><br /><br />You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social, join a group or join a gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms but it can't eliminate them. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.<br /><br />