ADHD in Women and Girls

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

The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot because they look different than those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Symptoms

Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult time telling their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.

Adults suffering from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said in a conversation.

Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They might have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They may also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven adhd screening for women symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.

In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.

Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they could request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however some have had the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.

Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of adhd with women can worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.

ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.

If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, talk to your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It might just take some more effort and planning.

You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from adhd screening women are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same condition and share their experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination of treatment methods including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.

In the modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often related to the pressures of being a responsible spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.

There is plenty of support for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, Adhd screening For Women and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to ask questions.

If an employee has significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP can direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of awareness types of adhd in women the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients find it hard to be referred for an assessment. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.

Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your company, contact us today.