ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.

Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently than men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD may have a difficult time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you spoke about during a conversation.

Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.

It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.

Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing this and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

Diagnosis

If you think you have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.

Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.

ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.

If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You may be able 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 offer practical and financial assistance.

It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.

You can find out more about adhd in adults women in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They can offer advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.

For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapy. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult your doctor 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 join support groups in order to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods like medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for well-being and health.

Many women and girls with adhd In Women uk have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with adhd women test and may increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions being developed, including anxiety or depression.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.

The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and Adhd In Women uk women with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The doctor will be able to send them to the appropriate service that could be a local mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some people have difficulty being referred to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.

It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety signs of adhd in women occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.