ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in women and girls. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may 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 difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. adhd symptoms in women adults who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. As women transition into menopause, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however, some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and school are more than willing to provide 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 diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making important decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Contact adhd in women uk if you are having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. There are ways to help, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
Also, keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions to 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 assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. However, it is essential 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 get support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same condition and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their daily life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with important information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a local mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some people are unable to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD could be regarded as a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
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