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.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from the men's. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal stage, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this can be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There are ways to help, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. click the next document experience are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a type of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in groups. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with the same disorder and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your daily life. Being active enough can help improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in today's society. These are often due to the pressures of modern life, such as 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 other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for girls and women who have ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the appropriate service which could be a mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
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