ADHD in Women and Girls

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

Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.

Signs and symptoms

Women with ADHD might have a difficult to tell their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as an adult adhd symptoms women woman.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.

Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.

Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.

Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. As women adhd diagnosis begin to enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.

It is also beneficial for women with Attention deficit Disorder to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer 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 history, and any problems that they might have caused.

Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopause.

The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making important decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.

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

Also, remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It may just take a bit more planning and effort.

If you're a woman with ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a professional. They can provide advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can offer money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with adhd women assessment may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.

Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. The ways you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same disorder and share experiences.

Women with ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.

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

Support

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

The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as a forum for people to 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 will be able to send them to the most appropriate service which could be a local mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some people find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting times. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD.

It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your company, contact us today.