10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD In Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy. Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they look different than those of men. This can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Signs and symptoms Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They might be shy to seek help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age. The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations. Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They might also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet. Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety. Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. This is because when women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician. It is also beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing this and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation. Diagnosis It is essential to see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history, and any problems that could have been caused by them. Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself. ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities. If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There are ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance. It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more planning and effort. If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They can also offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could provide funds to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective. Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes. Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour. CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Other methods that some find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements. It is important for women and girls with ADHD to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet other women with the same problem and share experiences. Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods like therapy and medication. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can help improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being. Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop. Support Women and girls with ADHD feel not understood. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. In addition, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage. There is adhd in women test iampsychiatry of support for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a 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 refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to be aware that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD. It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work. Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness classes. If you'd like to know more about how we can assist your business, get in touch now.