Who Is ADHD In Women UK And Why You Should Be Concerned
ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to both the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They might be shy to seek assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
Adults with ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially in schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women enter menopause, 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 talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however some have had the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor can 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 includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing many priorities.
Speak to your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There are ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at 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.
You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They might charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They can offer advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related 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 improve your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with a Therapist. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination of treatment options, such as therapy and medication. Using women and adhd like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
In modern society women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the chance of mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety.
women and adhd and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups 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 will be able to direct them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be admitted for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.