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.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently than men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be shy to seek help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. related internet page can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, such as offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD You can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD tests. They may charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to receive medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can 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 behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with an therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can help improve concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a loving 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.
navigate to these guys and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way in which their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor can send them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to remember that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your business, get in touch now.