ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard to tell their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take the condition seriously. Some women have difficulty finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said in an interaction.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women transition into menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some have found the right solution and are discovering that their employers and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor may 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 issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman's life, depending 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. As adults, this could be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. You might be able to get help by taking more 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 financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could provide funds to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. add in women test and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mix of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for well-being and health.
In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, managing household duties and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and increase the chance of other mental health conditions being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel not understood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can refer them to the most appropriate service that could be a local mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to note that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.
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