ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may 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 be able to take the issue seriously. Some women also have trouble finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. As women transition into menopausal and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they could request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their employers and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your history, and any problems that they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Contact your employer if having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. There may be ways to help, like giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not due to laziness or low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It may just take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also help you determine 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 like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as 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 health and well-being.
In modern society women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often due to the pressures of modern society including being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel unappreciated. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. Symptoms of the condition can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with important information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If Highly recommended Site is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some individuals have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. 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 ADHD is a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
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