ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than the men's. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women also have a tendency to have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They might have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. 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 with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopause.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. As adults, this could mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of an amount, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They can offer advice and guidance about claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or remembering things. Symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-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.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to seek out support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. These are often related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, managing household duties and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the chance of other mental health conditions developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. adhd in older women may experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD difficulties, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the appropriate service, which could be a mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to be aware that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people are unable to be admitted for an assessment. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They are entitled 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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