ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of men. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals 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 prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you spoke about during an interaction.
Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopause they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate 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 problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however some have had the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There are ways to help, like offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which 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, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can offer money to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for many people with ADHD. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy 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 find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. However, it is essential 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 seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. weblink can join support groups to meet other women who have the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day life. Getting enough physical activity can boost concentration and mood and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel unappreciated. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help for women and girls who have ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides important information, events and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to remember that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
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