ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they look different than those of males. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
adhd in women uk to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they can get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, some do so with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men because many health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, speak with your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. You could be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss the possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. Changes in the ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Some people discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. The process of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day routine. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These can impact the way their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients are unable to be assessed. This might be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
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