ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently than men. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard to tell their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily and not being able to remember what you spoke about during an interaction.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women transition into menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various 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. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also ask 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, so your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating solutions to 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're employed. inattentive adhd in women can provide money to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. Getting enough physical activity can help improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of being a loving spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often misunderstood. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
There is signs of adhd in women of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features useful information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from 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 recommend the employee to a service that is most appropriate, such as an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it is important to note that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting 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. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
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