ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently to men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult time telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They might be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
Adults with ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said during a conversation.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however some have had the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can 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 a look at your symptoms, your medical history as well as any problems they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males, as many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and be at risk for depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak with your employer. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can lessen your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with an therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
adult add in women is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women with the same disorder and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good partner or parent, managing a household and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the risk of other mental health conditions developing, such as anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who have ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can direct them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some people find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be because their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
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