10 Easy Steps To Start Your Own ADHD In Women UK Business
ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently than men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't take the condition seriously. Some women have difficulty finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopause. This is because when women enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It can also be helpful for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor, but some have found the right solution and are discovering that their employers and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they might have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times during a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. 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 cause challenges with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. adhd in young women can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a certified professional. adhd symptoms in women adults can offer advice and assistance in 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 or Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage 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 beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Other therapies that many find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. 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 join support groups to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day life. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often related to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, managing household duties and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a 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 individuals with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor will be able to direct them to the appropriate service which could be a local mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to remember that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be admitted for an assessment. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
Also, it's 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 be an able-bodied working schedule or additional training and support at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.