ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This results in a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than those of males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have a difficult time telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They might also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with 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 think you might have ADHD is a must to see 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 could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and are at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you are struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There may be solutions, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. please click the following article might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee however you will be analyzed by a professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the ways you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment methods including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as performing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way in which their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can direct them to the appropriate service which could be a mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to remember that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be assessed. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD is a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
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