ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This comes at a high cost for both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently to males. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the criteria established 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 might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Talk to your employer if having difficulty focusing or focusing on work. There may be solutions, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It's just going to take some 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 companies that provide ADHD assessments. women and adhd may charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and ensure that the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful 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 behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to receive support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same disorder and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods, such as therapy and medication. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your daily life. Being active enough can help improve the mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for women and girls who have ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with important information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to 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 doctor can refer the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some people find it difficult to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
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