ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently to men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
The most frequent 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. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They might be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. simply click the following page include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you are having trouble concentrating 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 offer practical and financial support.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and reach your goals. It's going to require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman with ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can help pay for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can 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 one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their life and tracking deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. 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. This can be due to the pressures of modern life, such as being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes an entire page devoted to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor will be able to refer them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your company, contact us today.