5 Lessons You Can Learn From ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of men. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't consider it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said in an interaction.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly in schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.
adhd symptoms for women 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 enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men, as many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There are ways to help, like offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are able to receive medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with an therapy. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost the mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of modern life like being a good parent or partner or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They might exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also get worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum for people to 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 recommend the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some people have difficulty being admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your company, contact us today.