ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you said in the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women begin to enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in 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 by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. adhd symptoms for women suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor, but some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, 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 recognize the way ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs and are at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Speak to your employer if you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition Your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that provide ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any potential 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 ensure that the medication is working well.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. Changes in the way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with the help of a Therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost concentration and mood and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These are often due to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel unappreciated. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. Symptoms of the condition can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. mouse click the following article has a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups and a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that's most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or support at work.
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