ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they look different than the men's. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you spoke about during an interaction.
Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They might also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor can 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 examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the way ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
Contact your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or focusing on work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not caused by laziness or low self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a professional. They can provide advice and guidance about claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. Symptoms can change with time and are usually caused by life events like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to seek out support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment methods including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. The process of organizing their life and tracking deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your daily life. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. Iam Psychiatry includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. They have the right 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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