Test: How Much Do You Know About ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity adhd for adult women UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost for both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said during a conversation.
Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive adhd adult women treatment-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women begin to enter menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from adhd in adults women aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss about their issues 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's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on criteria established 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.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of mild adhd in women can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this can result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. There may be ways to help, such as giving you more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It is important to be aware that adhd in women over 50 is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't the result of laziness or 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 with ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help 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 check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other therapies that many find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This could make it harder to manage adhd in men and women and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that's the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It's important to remember that some people find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.