ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting what was said in conversations.
Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They might be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or a specialist.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. There may be ways to help, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women who have the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods like therapy and medication. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in today's society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. adhd in adult women treatment may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with important information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings and a forum for people to 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 may refer the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it is important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD is a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or support at work.
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