ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity adhd symptoms women UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. 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 the men's. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.

Signs and symptoms

Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.

The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you said in an interaction.

Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression.

Many women with ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. As women begin to enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or a specialist.

Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from adhd women test don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss however some have had the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that they may have caused.

Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself.

The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.

Contact your employer if you are struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There may be solutions, such as giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.

Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms aren't the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It might just take some more effort and planning.

If you're a woman with ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.

Treatment

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

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.

Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.

CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.

It is crucial for girls and women suffering from adhd in women treatment to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to meet women who have the same condition and exchange experiences.

Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, such as 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 mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.

In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life including 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 chance that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. adhd in women Uk UK's website features a page dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a service that's the most appropriate, for instance a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD.

It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.