Searching For Inspiration? Check Out ADHD In Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy. Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Some women also have trouble finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation forgetfulness, having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you said in a conversation. Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They might also have difficulty to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet. Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety. Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women begin to enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or a specialist. It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests. Diagnosis It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused. Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself. The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. As adults, this could be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities. Contact your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance. It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. add adult women may just take a bit more planning and effort. If you're a woman with ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss potential side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes. For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking. CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with an therapist. Other therapies that many find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements. Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same condition and share experiences. Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can boost the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being. In modern society women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop. Support Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage. The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions. If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor will be able to direct them to the appropriate service that could be a mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD. It's also important to know that ADHD can be considered an “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule or additional training and support at work. Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and supports their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to know more about how we can help your business, get in touch now.