10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD In Women UK

ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost to both the individual and the economy. Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. Signs and symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might 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 have difficulty finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult. The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting what was said in conversations. Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices. Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially in schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression. Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. As women transition into menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist. It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find 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 have ADHD. Your doctor 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 medical history and any issues they may have caused. Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the way ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopause. ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities. Speak to your employer if you are having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance. You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning. You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can also offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss the possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour. CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with a therapist. Other treatments that some people find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. adhd in older women is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with similar conditions and share experiences. Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation 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 and healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being. In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop. Support Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to ask questions. If an employee has significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a local mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, not ADHD. It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety 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 support your business, get in touch today.