ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This results in a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently from men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the issue seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in receiving a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. There are solutions, such as giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. mouse click the following article can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any 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 to ensure the medication is working well.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for well-being and health.
Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the chance of other mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often not understood. 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 may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that ADHD could be regarded as a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
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