ADHD in Women and Girls

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

The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they look different than those of men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.

Signs and symptoms

Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.

Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.

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-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.

Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience worsening adhd in adults women symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. As women enter menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.

It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.

Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. inattentive add in women addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.

The signs of adhd in women symptoms can also impact relationships, work and school. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.

Contact your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.

It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more effort and planning.

If you're a woman suffering from ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You could be charged for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can offer advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.

Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.

For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a Successful Women With Adhd treatment. Changes in the way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from adhd in women adults can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with an therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.

It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with similar conditions and share their experiences.

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

Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This can add in adult women to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions that are developing, like anxiety or depression.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These can impact the way the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides important information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some people find it difficult to be referred to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD.

It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, or additional training and support at work.

Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellness and encourages their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your company, contact us today.