Everything You Need To Learn About ADHD In Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.

The symptoms can be difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently than men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have a difficult time telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.

The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations.

Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.

Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.

Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. This is because as women start to go through menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or a specialist.

It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they may have caused.

Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause), and the menopause itself.

ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.

If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.

It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It might just take a little more effort and planning.

You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of a fee but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.

Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.

It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to get assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being.

Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a loving spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often misunderstood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.

There is a lot of help for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It's important to remember that some individuals are unable to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.

Also,  inattentive adhd in women  noting that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.

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