The People Who Are Closest To ADHD In Women UK Tell You Some Big Secrets

ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy. These symptoms are more difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Signs and symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood. Adults suffering from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you said in the course of a conversation. Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They might have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices. It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety. Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. This is because when women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist. Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis If you think you might have ADHD is a must to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you 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 history, and any problems that they may have caused. Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times in women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself. ADHD symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities. If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, talk to your employer. There are ways to help, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance. You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort. You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a professional. They can offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. adhd symptoms women can provide money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes. For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. The way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behavior. CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same disorder and share experiences. Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and well-being. 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 like being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and doing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the chance of mental health issues that are developing, like anxiety or depression. Support Girls and women with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage. There is a lot of support for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions. If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some people have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting times. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD. Also, it's worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as to be a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your company, contact us today.