ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. As women transition into menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and are at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. There may be ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It is important to be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. adhd in women uk can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. The behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day life. Getting enough physical activity can boost concentration and mood, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel not understood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can send them to the appropriate service which could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some people have difficulty being admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
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