10 Quick Tips For ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify in females because they present differently than males. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles and pregnancy, diagnosing adhd in adult women as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their health care provider won't take them seriously. famous women with adhd who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention deficit in women or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning forgetfulness, having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said in an interaction.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They might be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize adhd in women signs symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience worsening adhd in adult women symptoms symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopause, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found the right solution and are discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your history, and any problems that they might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, talk to your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and meet your goals. It's going to require a little more planning and effort.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD tests. They might charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could provide funds to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their daily life and tracking 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 while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people with adhd traits in women have co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help for girls and women who suffer from diagnosing adhd in adult women. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer the employee to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It's important to remember that some individuals find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way 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 mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions, including e-learning modules mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to know more about how we can help your business, get in touch now.