ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot because they look different than those of men. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble 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 for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They might also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in obtaining 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. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. There may be ways to help, like offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. add symptoms in women may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers 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 professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. add in adult women of organizing their life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day routine. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day 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 difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the risk of other mental health conditions developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel not understood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support meetings and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it is important to note that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals are unable to be assessed. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
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