ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you said during an interaction.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their boss or professor, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in diagnosis and 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. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. browse around here 's just going to take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They can provide advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or recollecting information. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. The way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group or individually with an therapist. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to meet other women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. adhd in women can be due to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of other mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP will be able to refer them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some people have difficulty being assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. This might be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.