Looking For Inspiration? Check Out ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost for both individuals and the economy. These symptoms are more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently to men. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Symptoms Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They might be embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't take the condition seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older. 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 form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said in a conversation. Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices. It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. This is because as women begin to enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor. Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis If you think you might have ADHD, it's 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 could include a look at your symptoms, your history, and any problems that could have been caused by them. Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal. ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities. If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance. It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. add test for women might just take some extra effort and planning. If you're a woman with ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can provide money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss the possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective. Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes. For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior. CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. adhd symptoms women are able to benefit from 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. Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to meet women who have similar conditions and share experiences. Women with ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can help improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being. Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often related to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of other mental health issues being developed, including depression or anxiety. Support Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may display emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. In addition, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These can impact the way their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage. There is a lot of help available for women and girls who have 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 that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum for people to ask questions. If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service that could be a local mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some people have difficulty being assessed due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting times. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD. It's also important to note that ADHD could be regarded as an “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be the ability to work from home or support and training at work. Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.