Ten ADHD In Women UK That Will Actually Make Your Life Better

ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost to both the individual and the economy. These symptoms are more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently from males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal. Signs and symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult. The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you said in a conversation. Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They might have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making 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 are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety. Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is because as women start to go through menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor. Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss, some do so with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor may 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 includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused. Women are more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself. ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and are at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. adhd women test can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities. If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There are ways to help, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You might also want to 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 disorder and your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It might just take some more effort and planning. If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and ensure that the medication is effective. Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour. CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements. Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences. Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and well-being. Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, will develop. Support Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many people with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of support available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as 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 GP can send them to the most appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to be aware that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. This could be because their challenges are thought to be caused by another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD. Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment 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. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.