ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
In addition, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is because as women enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. There may be solutions, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
Also, keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It might just take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that provide ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can offer assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss the 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 make sure the medication is working properly.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women with the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost concentration and mood while eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. attention deficit in women of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to women and girls, 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 or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that's the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be assessed. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
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