ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard time telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. 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 may include examining your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. As adults, this could be a problem maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, talk to your employer. There are solutions, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged for a fee, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. Symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. The ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can help improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and increase the chance of mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. inattentive adhd in women can affect the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a service that is most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopment specialist service. signs of adhd in women to remember that some individuals are unable to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that ADHD can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
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