ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they look different than those of males. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't take the condition seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. While weblink suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men because many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There may be ways to help, like giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It is important to be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD tests. There is a possibility of for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
adhd symptoms in adult women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment options including medication and behavioural therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve mood and focus while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent, managing a household and being productive at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to women and girls with useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.