ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.

The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot because they look different than those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.

Symptoms

Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of adhd symptoms in women test than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social interactions. They might have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They might also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression.

In addition, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

Women can also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however some have had success in doing this and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

Diagnosis

It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history as well as any problems they may have caused.

Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.

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

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

It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It might just take some extra effort and planning.

If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating 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 are employed. This can provide money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medication to 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 beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty attention deficit disorder in women staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. The behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

CBT can be done in a group or individually with a therapy. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to seek out support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to connect with other women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your daily life. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.

In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life, such as being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. In addition, many people with adhd in women test have co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant adhd in women over 50 (webpage) problems it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor can refer them to the most appropriate service, which could be a local mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, rather than adhd symptoms for women.

Also, it's worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.

Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.