ADHD in Women and Girls

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

The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they look different than those of males. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Signs and symptoms

Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering what was said during conversations.

Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have 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.

Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women begin to enter menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.

Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.

The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. As adults, this could mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.

If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and reach your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.

You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This could provide funds to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.

Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for adhd in women for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.

Women suffering from adhd symptoms in adult women could also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.

In the modern world, many famous women with adhd and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of modern life including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with diagnosing adhd in women and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people with adhd in women uk (see this page) also have other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.

There is a lot of help for women and girls who have ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor will be able to send them to the appropriate service that could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.

It's also important to know that ADHD can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.