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ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This comes at a significant cost to individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have a difficult time telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in the course of a conversation.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. adhd in adults women can refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history and any issues could have been caused by them.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times during the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It may just require a little 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 private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This could provide funds to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working properly.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a type of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes in 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 to meet other women with the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the risk of mental health issues that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The GP will be able to refer them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to note that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients are unable to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
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