ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of men. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is because as women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and school 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 to a specialist, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Contact your employer if you are struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There are solutions, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss any possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. The way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in a group. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive support from their family members, 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 may also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life, such as being a good partner or parent, managing a household and doing well at work. adhd symptoms in adult women www.iampsychiatry.uk can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the risk of other mental health conditions being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to refer them to the most appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some people find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. This could be because their challenges are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
Also, it's worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
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