ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for 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 diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should be aware of 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 might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor can 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 could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. There may be ways to help, like giving you more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. 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 Your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. weblink going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. They might charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and difficulty keeping track of things. attention deficit in women can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for many people with ADHD. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with a therapist. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to receive support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for well-being and health.
In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of being a loving spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often misunderstood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can send them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to remember that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
Also, it's worth noting that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
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