What Is ADHD In Women UK And Why You Should Care
adhd in women treatment in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than those of males. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They might be shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more prone to the inattention type of adhd in middle aged women. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They might have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. 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. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they could request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss, some do so with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems could have been caused by them.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and be at risk for depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, like offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It might just take some more effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be assessed by a professional. They can also offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss any possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. 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) which is a form of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other successful women with adhd with the same condition and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment options, such as therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve the mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern society like being a good parent or partner, managing a household and being productive at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from adhd in adult women often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may display emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website adhd assessment for adult women UK has a specific page for women and girls with useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings and an area for people to ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant adhd is different for women (Tianxiaputao wrote) problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it's important to remember that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their issues are believed to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone'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 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 provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions, including e-learning modules mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.