The People Who Are Closest To ADHD In Women UK Have Big Secrets To Share
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy. The symptoms can be difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently than males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Signs and symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult. Adults with ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering what was said during conversations. Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet. Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety. Many women with ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women enter 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. Women can also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests. Diagnosis If you think you have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. weblink can refer to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused. Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself. The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities. Speak to your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance. It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It may just require a little more effort and planning. You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and modifications at the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes. Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior. CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements. It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences. Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral 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 activity are important for 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 expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of other mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression. Support Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage. There is a lot of help for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions. If an employee has significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The GP can send them to the most appropriate service which could be a mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD. It's also important to know 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 be the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and support at work. Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellness and supports their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.