Here's A Little Known Fact Concerning ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost to the individual and the economy. Symptoms can be more difficult to recognise in females because they present differently than males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Symptoms Women with ADHD might have a difficult time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects them as an adult. Adults suffering from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting what was said in conversations. adhd in older women have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices. Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety. Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist. Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis If you think you might have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they may have caused. Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal. 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 and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities. If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, talk to your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance. It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. 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 organisation that offers ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This could help you pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is essential to discuss the possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working properly. Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes. Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior. CBT can be done in a group or individually with an Therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements. It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with similar conditions and share their experiences. Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being. In modern society women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as being productive at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the chance of other mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety. Support Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage. There is plenty of support for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions. If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer them to the appropriate service which could be a local mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This could be due to the fact that their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD. Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule or additional training and assistance at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.