20 Reasons Why ADHD In Women UK Cannot Be Forgotten
ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy. These symptoms are more difficult to recognise in females because they present differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause. Signs and symptoms Women with ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman. adhd symptoms women who suffer from ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said in conversations. Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices. Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. Many women suffering from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. As women transition into menopause, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist. Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss however some have had success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests. Diagnosis If you think you might have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. 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 could include a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they may have caused. Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal. ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing multiple priorities. Talk to your employer if having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not caused by laziness or low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort. If you're a woman with ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can offer assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working properly. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. The ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behavior. CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with an Therapist. add test for women discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences. Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing. In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the chance of other mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety. Support Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can 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 can direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a local mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to remember that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some people are unable to be admitted for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD. Also, it's worth noting that ADHD can be considered to be a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.