ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently from men. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly at schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because when women start to go through menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. As adults, this could result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Contact your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
It is important to be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It may just require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
attention deficit in women and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a form of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with an therapist. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to meet other women with the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment methods including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. The process of organizing their life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. Being active enough can improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the expectations of being a loving spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the risk of mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often misunderstood. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
There is plenty of help for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor will be able to refer them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to be aware that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people find it hard to be referred for an assessment. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
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