ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider will not be able to take them seriously. women and adhd have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They might be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women transition into menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however some have had the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. As adults, this could be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms are not the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can offer money to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss potential adverse 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.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective 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 are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
It is essential for girls and women suffering from 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 the same condition and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mix of treatment methods, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and increase the chance of other mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel misunderstood. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing 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 patient to a service that's most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
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