The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For ADHD Women UK

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For ADHD Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD is often mistakenly diagnosed in girls and women because the symptoms are less obvious. It is possible to mistake them for other conditions and this can delay the referral.

It is crucial to understand and treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among females with ADHD. The transitional phases of pregnancy and adolescence may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms in certain women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD isn't easy to diagnose in adulthood, particularly for women. The symptoms differ for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women often struggle to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.

Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it's more prevalent in males and boys.  weblink  could lead to delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as swiftly. Girls may also conceal their symptoms better than boys which makes them less likely to be noticed by teachers or parents. They might use coping strategies, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out to cover up their actions and emotions.

The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more susceptible to mood swings. They might also have difficulty to keep track of things and follow routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

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 for assessments is causing stress and frustration for people who haven't been able to access the assistance they require. This is especially the case for those on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors who conduct ADHD assessments. It can take years to get an appointment.

The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP.  attention deficit in women  is important to inform your GP that you think you be suffering from ADHD. They will be able to take this seriously and ask for an appointment. You should also explain the reasons why you think you be suffering from ADHD. You can download the letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to speed up the process. You can also try to get an assessment through private healthcare.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult to recognize, in part because their symptoms, particularly when they are adults might not be as evident. They may develop compensatory strategies to hide their problems and they can be very damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as seeking to build support for their friends through high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs and other criminal activity are all examples of high-risk behaviors. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases, teens who are unplanned and have early pregnancy.

Doctors take reports of ADHD very seriously and will ask about your symptoms. They will then refer you to a service that is best suited to you. This is usually a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for the services may be long and in some instances it can be difficult to be referred because the problem isn't taken seriously enough. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD or think that the person's challenges are caused by other factors (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.

If you've been recommended, it is important to choose a therapist who understands the disorder and is willing to tackle your ADHD difficulties. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms requires a lifelong commitment. The use of medication and diet changes can aid in reducing your symptoms. For instance, a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits can make the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity less pronounced. A diet high in sugars and junk food can cause these symptoms to worsen.

More hints  should also ask your GP to determine if mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation, could be beneficial for you. They can be very beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. You can learn these methods with a certified instructor. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.

3. Find a support group

Women who suffer from ADHD may have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely due to the fact that females do not have as many symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as their male counterparts. This can make it difficult to diagnose them. This doesn't mean they are not suffering from symptoms. They could have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattention ADHD. Additionally, they may struggle with managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause difficult relationships, especially with men.

Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions or deadlines, as well as keeping track of commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These issues can cause burnout, which could have a negative impact on their job performance and their professional career.

Women with adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily, and are not well organized. They may also be susceptible to self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. They can also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and are often not understood. For instance, mood swings can be seen as an expression of anger or frustration.

Despite these issues, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are available online and in person. They are great ways to get information on the diagnosis process for both adults and children and also how to manage your illness.

There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For instance 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 struggles, goals and successes. You can find the information on the meeting on their website or Facebook page. You can contact them with any questions or wish to attend an scheduled event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD may face unique challenges that make it harder to manage their symptoms, like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional symptoms such as mood fluctuations and irritability.


Exercise can reduce the symptoms by releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. It can also help to control excess energy, increase focus and concentration. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your daily.

Try exercising at your home, or if prefer a social atmosphere you can join a class or gym. Exercise can alleviate certain ADHD symptoms, but it will not eliminate them. It should be combined with other strategies to treat symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.