The Biggest Sources Of Inspiration Of ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in women and girls. This results in a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently than males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard to tell their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. As women begin to enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your history, and any problems that they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and are at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. There are ways to help, such as offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It's just going to require some more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. They may charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss potential adverse 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 to ensure the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form 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 groups. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women with the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can help improve the mood and focus, 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 today's society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also get worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way that their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor will be able to refer them to the most appropriate service that could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people are unable to be referred for an assessment. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, or additional training and support at work.
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