You'll Never Guess This ADHD In Women UK's Tricks
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost to both the individual and the economy. The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than those of men. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Signs and symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older. The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you said during a conversation. Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet. It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. Additionally to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor. It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however, some have found the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that could have been caused by them. Many healthcare professionals fail to recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself. ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. As adhd women uk , this could mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities. If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, talk to your employer. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance. You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It may just require a little more effort and planning. If you're a woman with ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. There is a possibility of for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change with time and are usually caused by life events like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause. Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking. CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapist. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements. It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share experiences. Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to well-being and health. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. These can be related to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop. Support Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage. The good news is that there's plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides important information, events and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions. If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some people find it difficult to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD. Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered to be a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or support at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your company, contact us now.