ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than those of men. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel uncomfortable asking for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they can get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. As women enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may 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 however some have had the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in getting diagnosed and receiving 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 run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. The ways you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group or individually with an therapist. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can boost the mood and focus while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and increase the likelihood of mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to girls and women 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 and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people find it hard to be assessed. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
browse around here 's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule or additional training and support at work.
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