ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have a difficult to tell their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They might also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women start to go through menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and are at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. There may be 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 offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It may just require some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can offer assistance and advice on applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could provide funds to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to receive medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss any possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. The behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment methods, such as therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can improve concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be related to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. adhd in women adults iampsychiatry can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the risk of other mental health issues that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor will be able to send them to the most appropriate service that could be a local mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some people find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, such as a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
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