ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. As women transition into menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women can also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor, some do so with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your history, and any problems that they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men, as many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to 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 disorder Your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more 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 organizations which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They can provide assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. click the up coming post can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss any possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working well.
Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in a group. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet other women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Being active enough can improve concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the chance of mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They may experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety 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 and an area for people to 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 the patient to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it's important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be referred for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, such as a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
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