ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently to men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you spoke about during an interaction.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. This is because when women enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in 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 learn what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to consult 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 could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and are at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a trained professional. They can provide advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss the potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working well.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be carried out 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 stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. But it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women with the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost concentration and mood, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
adhd in adults women and girls with ADHD feel not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of support for women and girls who have ADHD. There are numerous online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can direct them to the appropriate service that could be a community mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals are unable to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
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