ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize in females because they present differently to men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult to tell their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they can get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. This is because as women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people suffering from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however, some have found success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It may just require some more effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Women and girls 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 carried out in a group or individually with a Therapist. Some people find that eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet women who have the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often due to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the chance of other mental health conditions that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. attention deficit disorder in women of the condition may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with important information, events and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer them to the most appropriate service, which could be a mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to note that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be referred for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD is a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
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