How ADHD In Women UK Was The Most Talked About Trend In 2024
ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This results in a significant cost to both individuals and the economy. Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently from males. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. Symptoms Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They might be shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age. Adults with ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said during a conversation. Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices. Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they're often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety. Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist. It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however, some have found success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation. Diagnosis It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused. Women are more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the way ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself. Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing many priorities. Contact your employer if you're having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance. You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It may just require some more effort and planning. If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medications 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 implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective. Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. Changes in the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with a Therapist. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences. Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being. In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop. Support Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel misunderstood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. adhd women uk of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage. There is plenty of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions. If an employee has significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The doctor will be able to refer them to the appropriate service that could be a mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, rather than ADHD. Also, it's worth noting that ADHD can be considered to be a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work. At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and assistance 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 find out more about how we can help your company, contact us today.