Who Is ADHD In Women UK And Why You Should Be Concerned
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently from men. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They might be uncomfortable asking for help, and they fear that their doctor won't consider it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. conversational tone are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
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 struggle with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. As women begin to enter menopause they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however some have had success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist, or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that provide ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can provide money to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss the possible side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and trouble staying focused or remembering things. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women with the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the chance of other mental health conditions being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder may also get worse during times of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can refer the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals have difficulty being admitted to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
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