ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in girls and women. This is a huge cost to both the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than the men's. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
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 be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women begin to enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss, some do so with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using 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.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or 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's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods including therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
adult add women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. adhd in women adult will be able to direct them to the appropriate service which could be a local mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be assessed. This could be because their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
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