Why ADHD In Women UK Is A Must At The Very Least Once In Your Lifetime
ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This comes at a significant cost to individuals and the economy. The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal. Symptoms Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said in a conversation. Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They might also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet. Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly 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 and perimenopausal periods. This is because as women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist. It can also be helpful for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis If you think you have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused. Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopause. The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities. If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. There may be ways to help, such as providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance. You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's going to require a little more planning and effort. Find out This Web site in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD tests. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can offer advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes. For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. Changes in the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour. CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements. Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences. Women with ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. The process of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day life. Getting enough physical activity can improve the mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good partner or parent, managing a household and being productive at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop. Support Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also get worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 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 suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings 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 patient to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD. It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work 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 possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or assistance at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your company, contact us now.