15 Things You're Not Sure Of About 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. These symptoms are more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently than men. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Symptoms Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult. Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues 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 find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices. Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially in schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor. It is also beneficial for women to talk about 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 in school. Many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests. Diagnosis If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history as well as any problems could have been caused by them. Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal. ADHD symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. adhd in adult women can also create difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities. If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. There are solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support. It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms are not due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It may just require some more effort and planning. If you're a woman with ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could provide funds to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress and ensure that the medication is effective. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior. CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with a therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements. It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet women with the same problem and share experiences. Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost the mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being. In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society including 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 risk that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop. Support Women and girls with ADHD feel not understood. They may experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage. There is a lot of support for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions. If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD. Also, it's important to know that ADHD is an “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work. Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and supports their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.