ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They might also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopause. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however some have had the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. In adulthood, this can result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. There may be solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. Symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. Changing the ways you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mix of treatment options including therapy and medication. The process of organizing their life and tracking deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and being productive at work. add and adhd in women iampsychiatry can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the risk of other mental health issues that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also get worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to remember that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals are unable to be assessed. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule or additional training and support at work.
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