Looking For Inspiration? Check Out ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. adhd in adult women might also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history, and any problems that could have been caused by them.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or focusing at work. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It might just take some more effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. You could be charged for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or remembering things. Symptoms can change with time and are usually affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Other treatments that some people find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to receive assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often due to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent, managing a household and doing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the risk of other mental health issues that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. visit my web site suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
adhd in adult women is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer them to the appropriate service, which could be a mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals have difficulty being assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and support at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your company, contact us now.