Looking For Inspiration? Try Looking Up ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy. Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify because they look different than those of males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal. Symptoms Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult. The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you spoke about during the course of a conversation. Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices. It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity 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. In addition, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor. It can also be helpful for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor, but some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation. Diagnosis If you think you have ADHD is a must to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer 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 problems that could have been caused by them. Women are more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times during women's lives, based on hormonal changes. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself. Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. simply click for source can also lead to problems with managing finances, making important decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities. If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support. 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 be successful and reach your goals. It may just require a little more planning and effort. Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss the potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective. Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can lessen your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behavior. CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with a Therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements. It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet women with the same problem and share experiences. Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment methods, such as medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for well-being and health. In modern society women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These are often related to the expectations of being a loving spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop. Support Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also worsen during periods of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way 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 many online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions. If an employee has significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a community mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting assessed. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD. It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional 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 range of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.