ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their health care provider won't take them seriously. Some women also have trouble finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly at schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women transition into menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times during the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, talk to your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They might charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This could provide funds to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with the help of a Therapist. Some people find that eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. But it is important 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 members, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their life and tracking deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day life. Being active enough can boost concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern society including being a good partner or parent, managing a household and being productive at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the chance of other mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel not understood. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. This might be because their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD.
It's also worth noting 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. More inspiring ideas could be a flexible working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
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