5 Reasons To Be An Online ADHD In Women UK Shop And 5 Reasons Not To
ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy. The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they look different than those of men. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. add symptoms in women may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult. Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said in an interaction. Women also have a tendency to have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. add in adult women might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices. Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety. Additionally, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women begin to enter menopause, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist. It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history, and any problems that they might have caused. Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times in women's lives, based on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself. ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and be at risk for depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities. Contact your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance. You should also remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and reach your goals. It might just take some more effort and planning. You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is working. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and trouble staying focused or remembering things. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. Changing the way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour. CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with an therapy. Other methods that some find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to meet women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences. Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment options like therapy and medication. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing. In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the risk of mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression. Support Women and girls with ADHD are often not understood. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an area for people to ask questions. If an employee has significant ADHD difficulties and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it's important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting assessed. This could be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD. Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered to be 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 a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work. At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, including coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.