ADHD In Women UK's History History Of ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than those of males. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor will not take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in the course of a conversation.
Women also have a tendency to have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss however, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times in a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. There are solutions, such as giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD tests. They may charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and modifications at 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 essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
adhd in women signs with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with the help of a Therapist. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet other women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment methods like medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for well-being and health.
In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be related to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often misunderstood. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are numerous online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service that could be a mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be 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 wide range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.