How ADHD In Women UK Is A Secret Life Secret Life Of ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy. Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently from males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal. Signs and symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in a conversation. Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices. It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety. Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women begin to enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or specialist. Women can also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however some have had success in doing this and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation. Diagnosis It is important to visit your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history as well as any problems they may have caused. Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times in the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself. The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities. Talk to your employer if you are having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. There may be solutions, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support. It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It may just require a little more planning and effort. Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can help pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting 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 working. Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal. For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a type of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behaviour. CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who have the same problem and share experiences. Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment methods like therapy and medication. Using conversational tone as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and wellbeing. Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the risk of other mental health conditions being developed, including anxiety or depression. Support Girls and women with ADHD feel unappreciated. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. In addition, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions. If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some individuals find it difficult to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD. It's also important to know that ADHD is a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or support at work. At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your business, get in touch now.