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 to both the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They might be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't take the condition seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations.
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 might have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopause they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their boss or professor, some do so with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. 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 may include a review of the symptoms you are experiencing, your history, and any problems that they might have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause 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 substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It may just require a little more planning and effort.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a kind of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group or individually with an Therapist. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. Getting enough physical activity can improve the mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are adhd in women checklist , support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a service that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to keep in mind that some people are unable to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. This could be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
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