ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly in schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. This is because as women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however, some have found the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD could also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for well-being and health.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a loving spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the chance of other mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. In addition, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals are unable to be admitted for an assessment. adhd in women checklist could be because their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to note that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
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