7 Simple Changes That Will Make A Big Difference In Your 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 misdiagnose them as other disorders, which can delay the diagnosis.

It is important to explore and address the symptoms of depression, anxiety and eating disorders in women suffering from ADHD. Transitional periods such as pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and exacerbate ADHD in some women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose, especially in women. This is because a lot of the symptoms differ for females. For instance, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.

ADHD is also more often observed in males and females, so doctors might not be familiar with the condition. This could lead to delays in diagnosis, as females are not referred to doctors as frequently. Girls also tend to conceal their symptoms better than men and are less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They may resort to strategies to cope, like 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 go through perimenopause or menopausal. This is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. They may be unable to keep track of their activities and stick to routines. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other obligations.

While awareness of ADHD has increased due to celebrities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, waiting times for tests are causing stress and frustration for those who aren't in a position to get the assistance they require. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS, as there is a small number of doctors who can perform ADHD tests and it could take years to secure an appointment.

The first step towards getting a diagnosis is to see your GP. It is crucial to mention to your GP that you think you might have ADHD since they will have to take it seriously and ask for an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download an official letter from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also receive an evaluation from private healthcare.

2. Talk with your doctor

Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that their symptoms, especially when they reach adulthood, may not be as evident. high functioning adhd in women can be harmful, since they can attempt to hide their problems. Some of them include drinking excessively, smoking cannabis and trying to gain social support by participating in risky activities (e.g. gangs, promiscuity and criminal activities). Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be involved in criminal activities, gangs, and promiscuity. incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.


GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will then refer you to the appropriate service for your needs. This usually is a mental health clinic or a specialist Neurodevelopmental Service.

The waiting times for these services are lengthy and, in some instances it can be difficult to get referred due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are due to other factors (like anxiety, depression or abuse of substances) and not caused by their ADHD symptoms.

It is important that you select a therapist with ADHD experience who is able to work alongside your ADHD challenges. Certain therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms is a continuous process. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food can exacerbate these symptoms.

It is also advisable to ask your GP whether mindfulness-based methods such as meditation could be beneficial for you. They can be extremely beneficial in helping those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught to you by a trained instructor. The NHS service locator will help you locate an NHS provider close to you.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD might exhibit less obvious 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 makes it more difficult to diagnose them. However, this isn't to suggest that they don't have any signs. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. In addition, they could have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to ruptures or broken relationships particularly with males.

Women who suffer from inattention ADHD might be more likely to struggle with school and work. They can have trouble following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and completing commitments. They might also have a hard time accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their job performance and their professional career.

Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty keeping track of their attention, are easily distracted and are not organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings, and are often misunderstood. For instance mood swings can be interpreted as an outburst of anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are a lot of resources available to adults suffering from ADHD. One of the most effective is a support group specifically designed for people with ADHD. These groups are available on the internet and in person. These groups are an excellent way to get advice about the diagnosis options for both children and adults as well as how to manage your condition.

There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups across the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example, meets every Wednesday at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD to share their struggles, successes and aspirations. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page and website. You can contact them if you have any questions or want to attend an upcoming event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can trigger or intensify emotional symptoms, such as mood swings and irritability.

Exercise can help reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and reduce stress. Additionally, it can help to reduce stress and increase concentration and focus. Try to incorporate high functioning adhd in women into your day.

You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to be social join a club or join a gym. Exercise can help with some ADHD symptoms, but it will not solve them. It is best to combine it with other strategies for managing symptoms. Ideally, you should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.