ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females because they present differently from men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor 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 they grow older.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because as women begin to enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they could make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however, some do it with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this may be a problem maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. adhd symptoms for women can still achieve your goals and be successful. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps 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 are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment options, such as therapy and medication. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can help improve concentration and mood and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
you can look here and women with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a service that's the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to keep in mind that some people are unable to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed as 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 assistance at work.
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