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ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.

These symptoms are more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you said during an interaction.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social relationships. They might have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.

Many women with ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. As women begin to enter menopausal and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss, some do so with ease 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 consult your GP. adhd in women treatment may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.

Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause), and the menopause itself.

Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and are at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.

Speak to your employer if you are having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. There may be ways to help, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.

It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It may just require some extra effort and planning.

You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD tests. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a trained professional. They can provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with ADHD are able to receive medication to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.

Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. The ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Other methods that some find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.

Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment methods, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. The process of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for well-being and health.

In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with important information, events and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the appropriate service which could be a mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some people find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This might be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.


It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.

Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your company, contact us now.

Member since: Friday, October 11, 2024

Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/