Could ADHD In Women UK Be The Answer For 2024's Challenges?

ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.

Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.

Adults with ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.

Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. As  add adult women  into menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.

Women also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they could request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that could have been caused by them.

Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.  adhd in adult women  of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.

ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.

If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.

You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms are not due to laziness or low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It's just going to require some more planning and effort.

You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can provide assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could provide funds to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. The behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in a group. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to get support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences.

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

In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of support available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an area for people to ask questions.

If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to be aware that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.

It's also important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.

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