Seven Explanations On Why ADHD In Women UK Is Important
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to 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 also worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older. Adults suffering from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues in planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you spoke about during a conversation. Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices. Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression. In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor. It can also be helpful for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues could have been caused by them. Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times in a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. undiagnosed adhd in women include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself. The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities. Talk to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. There are ways to help, like offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support. It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning. You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a professional. They will also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes. For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same condition and share their experiences. Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to well-being and health. Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society including being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop. Support Women and girls with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. In addition, many people with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage. The good news is that there's plenty of support available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as a forum for people to ask questions. If an employee is experiencing 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 the patient to a service that's the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to be aware that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD. It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or assistance at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your business, get in touch today.