Ten Stereotypes About ADHD In Women UK That Don't Always Hold

ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy. The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they look different than the men's. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Symptoms Women with ADHD may have a difficult to tell their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. adhd in women adults -related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you said in a conversation. Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices. It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity 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. Additionally to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because as women start to go through menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor. It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover 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 speaking to their professor or boss, some do so with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused. Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself. ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. Adults might have trouble 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 balancing multiple priorities. Speak to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance. Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It may just take a bit more planning and effort. You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective. Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal. Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thinking and behavior. CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences. Women with ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their daily lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your daily life. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being. In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often related to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop. Support Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage. There is plenty of help for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions. If an employee has significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the appropriate service that could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals have difficulty being assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD. It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule or additional training and assistance at work. At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.