15 Things You're Not Sure Of About ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy. Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently than males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said in conversations. Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They might also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices. Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. adhd in young women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopause. As women begin to enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist. It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused. Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause. Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities. Contact your employer if having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. There are ways to help, like offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support. You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It might just take some extra effort and planning. You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can also offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is working. Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. The behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour. adhd in adult women treatment can be done in a group or one-on-one with the help of a Therapist. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements. Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same condition and share experiences. Women with ADHD could also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety. Support Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to ask questions. If an employee has significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to note that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, rather than ADHD. Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as an “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or assistance at work. Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellness and supports their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.