ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. add in women test comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently from males. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have a difficult time telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women also have a tendency to have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they could make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing this and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times during women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. There may be ways to help, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
adhd traits in women 's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It's just going to require some more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. Changes in the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with an Therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for well-being and health.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often related to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the likelihood of other mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often not understood. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a service that's most appropriate, such as an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some individuals have difficulty being admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.
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