10 Places To Find ADHD In Women UK
ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This results in a significant cost to both the individual and the economy. The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of men. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Signs and symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult 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 consider the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said during an interaction. Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They might also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet. Due to gender-based stereotypes of sex and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety. In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician. Women also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused. Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the way ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself. The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and are at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities. Speak to your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance. It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. 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 a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. They might charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly. add women with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes. For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior. CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. add adult women is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences. Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for health and well-being. Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society including being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and increase the likelihood of other mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety. Support Girls and women with ADHD feel not understood. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage. There is a lot of support for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum 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 can recommend the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be referred for an assessment. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD. It's also important to note that ADHD can be considered an “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work. Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.