ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. please click the following article are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. As women begin to enter menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or a specialist.
Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their boss or professor, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times during the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
Contact your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There may be solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It may just require a little more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with the help of a Therapist. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women with the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as therapy and medication. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These can be related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of support for girls and women who have ADHD. There are numerous online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with important information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can send them to the appropriate service which could be a local mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to be aware 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 are due to a different issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. please click the following article could mean an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellness and supports their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, including coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.