ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently to males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard in telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you spoke about during an interaction.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially in school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. This is because when women enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling 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 offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. adhd in women may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males, as many health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and be at risk for depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, talk to your employer. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. The symptoms you experience are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. They may charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can provide money to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss any possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. 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 type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or individually with an Therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily life and tracking deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder may also get worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If Highly recommended Site is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to refer them to the appropriate service which could be a mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to remember that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting assessed. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
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