ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females because they present differently than men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be uncomfortable asking for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand 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 impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you said in an interaction.
Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). adhd in adult women test includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There are solutions, such as giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and meet your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can provide money to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change with time and are usually caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a type of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapy. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with the same condition and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment methods like medication and behavioural 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 help improve the mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good partner or parent, managing a household and being productive at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. 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 and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community 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 individuals have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
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