ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopause. This is because when women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with 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 suspect you may have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. As adhd in women , this could be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
Contact your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It might just take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be assessed by a trained professional. They can offer advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could provide funds to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.
adhd in women with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind 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 groups. Other treatments that some people find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet other women with the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life including being a good parent or partner or managing a household, as well as being productive at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
There is a lot of help available for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are numerous 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 and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD difficulties, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to direct them to the appropriate service that could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to be aware that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting assessed. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
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