10 Steps To Begin Your Own ADHD In Women UK Business
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said in an interaction.
Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. This is because when women begin to enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
add women 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 criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. There are solutions, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and reach your goals. It might just take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD you can learn more about it 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 trained professional. They can provide assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss potential side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the ways you think and behave 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 type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women with the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment options including medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
In modern society women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides important information, events and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing 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 patient to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. add women is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. This could be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and supports their employees. We offer a range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your business, get in touch now.