ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.

Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they look different than those of males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause.

Symptoms

Women suffering from adhd in adult women symptoms might have a difficult time telling their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may be shy to seek help for women with adhd, and are afraid that their doctor won't 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 who suffer from ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of adhd diagnosis in adult women. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.

Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.

Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. As women enter menopausal and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.

Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of the symptoms you are experiencing, your history, and any problems that they might have caused.

Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.

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

If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.

You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.

You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD tests. You could be charged an amount, but you will be assessed by a professional. They can offer assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.

For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with a therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women who have the same condition and exchange experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.

Many understanding women with adhd and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent, managing a household and being productive at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, will develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the most appropriate service that could be a local mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to remember that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This might be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.

Also, it's important to note that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.

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