How ADHD In Women UK Has Become The Most Sought-After Trend In 2024
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 the individual and the economy. Symptoms can be more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently than men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. Symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering what was said during conversations. Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits 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 sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression. Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopause. As women begin to enter menopausal stage, they produce less estrogen. adhd women uk . Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor. Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, some do so with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that they might have caused. Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself. ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities. Speak to your employer if having trouble concentrating or focusing at work. There are ways to help, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance. Also, keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and reach your goals. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort. If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD tests. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor 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 is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking. CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share experiences. Women with ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and well-being. Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop. Support Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel unappreciated. They may experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage. There is plenty of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes an entire page devoted to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions. If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It's important to remember that some people have difficulty being referred to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD. adhd women uk 's also worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as an “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and assistance at work. Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.