Who Is ADHD In Women UK And Why You Should Care
ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently to men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They might be embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the issue seriously. Some women also have trouble finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They might be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however, some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in getting an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD tests. There is a possibility of an amount, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can offer money to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with an therapist. Other methods that some find beneficial are following 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.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment methods including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day routine. Getting enough physical activity can help improve concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These can be related to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often misunderstood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. adhd in young women of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor can refer them to the appropriate service, which could be a local mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to remember that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be assessed. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. If adhd women uk 'd like to find out more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.