Ten ADHD In Women UKs That Really Change Your Life

ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.

The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of males. This can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Signs and symptoms

Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard time telling their healthcare providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.

Adults with ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you spoke about during a conversation.

Women also have a tendency to have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They might also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.

Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.

Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.

It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.

Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on hormonal changes. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.

ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.

Contact your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There are ways to help, like offering more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.

It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It may just require some more effort and planning.

Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can offer assistance and advice on applying for benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage 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 GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.

Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.

CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with a Therapist. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet women with the same problem and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their life and tracking deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your daily life. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is essential 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 society, such as being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the risk of other mental health conditions that are developing, like depression or anxiety.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD feel not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.

There is a lot of support for girls and women who have ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor can send them to the appropriate service which could be a local mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some individuals are unable to be admitted for an assessment. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.

Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered 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 include a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. iampsychiatry provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can assist your company, contact us today.

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Pub: 09 Oct 2024 07:52 UTC
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