ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize in females because they present differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. This is because when women start to go through menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be helpful for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however, some do it with success and find 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 a specialist, or diagnose you based on the criteria established 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.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, talk to your employer. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged an amount, but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss 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 well.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. The behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Highly recommended Site can be carried out in a group or individually with a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to seek out support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same disorder and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can help improve concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as being productive at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
There is plenty of help for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor will be able to refer them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting assessed. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
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