Ten Taboos About ADHD In Women UK You Shouldn't Share On Twitter
ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a high cost for both individuals and the economy. The symptoms can be difficult to recognize in females because they present differently than males. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Signs and symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard in telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood. Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting what was said during conversations. Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet. It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression. Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. This is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or a specialist. It can also be helpful for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems they may have caused. Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself. ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities. Contact your employer if you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work. There are ways to help, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance. Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It may just require some more planning and effort. You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. They may charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a certified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are advised to track your child's progress and ensure that the medication is effective. Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour. CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with the help of a Therapist. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group to meet other women with the same disorder and share experiences. Women with ADHD could also benefit from a mix 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 keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the chance of other mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression. Support Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also worsen during periods of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage. There is inattentive adhd in women of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions. If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The GP will be able to refer 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 people have difficulty being assessed due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting times. This could be because their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, rather than ADHD. Also, it's important to note that ADHD is to be a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and assistance at work. At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.