The History 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. This results in a significant cost to both individuals and the economy. Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females because they present differently from men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult. Adults with ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily and not being able to remember what you spoke about during the course of a conversation. Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices. Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety. In addition, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. 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. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor. Women can also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you 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 problems they've caused. Women are more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on hormonal changes. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself. The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities. If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance. It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It's just going to take some more effort and planning. Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. You could be charged a fee but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating 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 employed. This can provide money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medications 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 beginning treatment. adhd in young women are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recalling things. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal. Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking. CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with a therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any 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 the same condition and share experiences. Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society including being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop. Support Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. adhd symptoms in women adults has a specific page for women and girls that features important information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings and an online forum where people can ask questions. If an employee is experiencing severe 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 the employee to a service that's most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals have difficulty being assessed due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD. Also, it's worth noting that ADHD is to be a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule or additional training and support at work. Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your company, contact us now.