Everything You Need To Be Aware Of ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. signs and symptoms of adhd in women Iam Psychiatry is a huge cost for both individuals and the economy. Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than those of men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman. 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 be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said during conversations. Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They might also have difficulty to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices. Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety. In addition to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women begin to enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist. It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some have found the right solution and are discovering that their employers and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation. Diagnosis If you think you might have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history and any issues they might have caused. Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times during the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself. ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities. If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support. It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort. You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that provide ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim 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 employed. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are advised to track your child's progress and ensure that the medication is effective. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes. Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour. CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences. Women with ADHD could also benefit from a combination treatment method, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to well-being and health. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society including being a good partner or parent, managing a household and being productive at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will 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 ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions. If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. This could be because their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD. It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or support at work. Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and supports their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your company, contact us now.