Its History Of ADHD In Women UK ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.

The symptoms can be difficult to recognise in females because they present differently than men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.

Signs and symptoms

Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't consider it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.

Adults with ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in a conversation.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.

It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially at schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.

Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.

It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.

Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in receiving a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.

ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs, and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities.

If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, talk to your employer. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.

It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low 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 will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. You may be charged a fee however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. women and adhd can help pay for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss the potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.

Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change with time and are usually affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in groups. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to connect with other women with similar conditions and share experiences.


Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. The process of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.

Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as 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 can refer the employee to a service that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it's important to note that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.

It's also worth noting that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.

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