5 Laws That Anyone Working In ADHD Women UK Should Know ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women often go not being diagnosed with ADHD because the symptoms are less apparent for females. They are also often misdiagnosed as other conditions, which can delay the referral.

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

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD isn't easy to diagnose in adulthood, especially for women. A lot of the symptoms are different for women. For instance, while males tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have difficulty being able to concentrate or sit still. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.


Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it's more common in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, since females aren't seen by doctors as often. Girls can also hide their symptoms better than males which makes them less likely to be recognized by teachers or parents. They might resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out, to disguise their behaviour and feelings.

The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal. This is because they can experience hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. It may also be difficult to follow routines and keep track of their tasks. This can affect how well they manage their home, work and other obligations.

The waiting time for assessments can cause stress and frustration for those who are unable to get the help they need. This is particularly the case for those on the NHS and have a small number of doctors who conduct ADHD tests and it could take years to secure an appointment.

The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is seeing your GP. adhd in women treatment is essential to tell your GP that you think you might be suffering from ADHD since they will have to take this seriously and request a referral. It is also important to explain why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP and aid in speeding up the process. You can also try to get an assessment via the private healthcare route.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women who suffer from ADHD are more difficult to recognize than men, mainly because the symptoms are not as evident, especially in adulthood. They may develop strategies to hide their problems and they can be extremely damaging. They may do this by drinking excessively or smoking cannabis, as well as 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, teenage, unplanned and early-stage pregnancy.

GPs will take any report of ADHD seriously and will inquire about your symptoms. Then, they will direct you to the best service for you - this usually is a mental health service or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services can be long and, in some instances, it is difficult to get referred because of the lack of seriousness which the problem is dealt with. This could be due to the fact that the GP is unaware of adult ADHD or believes that the person's issues are caused by other factors (such as depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs) instead of ADHD symptoms.

If you've been recommended to a therapist, it's important to select a therapist who is knowledgeable about the issue and is willing to tackle your ADHD problems. Certain therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is particularly helpful for people with ADHD.

Controlling ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process. Treatment can ease some of your symptoms and dietary changes can help. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. On the other the other hand, a diet rich in sugar and junk food can worsen the symptoms.

It's also worth talking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based methods like meditation could be useful for you as they are extremely effective in helping people suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified teacher. The NHS service locator can help you locate an NHS provider close to you.

3. Find a support group

Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have less visible symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't have as many hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. This makes it more difficult to identify them. women and adhd doesn't mean they do not have symptoms. They may even have ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to spot, like inattentive ADHD. Additionally, they may have a hard time managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause ruptures or broken relationships, especially with men.

Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to face difficulties at school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions in completing deadlines and keeping track of their commitments. They may be unable to accepting constructive criticism or being given positive feedback from their workplace. These issues can lead to burnout that could negatively impact their job and career.

Women with adult ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They are also susceptible to depression, self-doubt and anxiety. They may also have difficulties communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.

Despite these difficulties, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is an online support group specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These groups are accessible both online and in person. They are a great way to get advice on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your condition.

If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are several in the UK. The Bristol Collective, for example is a weekly meeting at The Hideout St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who wish to talk about their challenges, goals, and accomplishments. The details of the meeting on their website and their Facebook page. You can reach them if you have any questions or would like to attend an scheduled event.

4. Exercise

Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulties managing their symptoms, which includes menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes may trigger or exacerbate emotional problems such as mood swings and irritability.

Exercise can ease these symptoms, release of feel-good hormones and reducing stress. In high functioning adhd in women , it helps reduce excess energy and improve focus and attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.

Try exercising at your home, or, if you prefer a social atmosphere take part in a group class or gym. Exercise can alleviate certain ADHD symptoms but it can't solve them. It should be combined with other strategies to treat symptoms. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.