ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently to men. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have a difficult to tell their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider won't take them 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 typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in an interaction.
Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They might have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. This is because as women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces 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 may refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your history and any issues they might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak with your employer. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. adult female adhd symptoms might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. see it here might just take a little 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. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can lessen your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a type of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Other therapies that many find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent, managing a household and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the risk of mental health issues being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing 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 suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some individuals find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
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