ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel shy to seek help, and they fear that their doctor won't take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. This is because as women start to go through menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
add test for women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times during women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs, and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. There may be solutions, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It might just take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged an amount, but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. The way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve the mood and focus while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society like being a good parent or partner, managing a household and being productive at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel not understood. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may recommend the employee to a service that's most appropriate, such as an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals have difficulty being admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed 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 assistance at work.
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