How ADHD In Women UK Has Become The Most Sought-After Trend Of 2024
ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This comes at a high cost for both individuals and the economy. Symptoms can be more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently than men. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. add symptoms in adult women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman. Adults suffering from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you spoke about during an interaction. Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices. It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety. Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. This is because when 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 these with their doctor. Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however some have had the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis If you think you might have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your medical history as well as any problems could have been caused by them. Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal. The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. As adults, this could result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities. Contact your employer if having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. There may be solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance. It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It's going to require a little more planning and effort. You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD tests. They may charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can offer money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective. Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour. CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with a Therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements. It is important for girls and women with ADHD to receive support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to meet women who have the same condition and exchange experiences. Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to well-being and health. In signs and symptoms of adhd in women , many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the chance of other mental health conditions being developed, including depression or anxiety. Support Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage. There is a lot of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support groups 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 GP will be able to send them to the most appropriate service, which could be a local mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some people find it difficult to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD. Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be 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 the ability to work from home or support and training at work. At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.