ADHD in Women and Girls

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

These symptoms are more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.

Adults suffering from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.

Women also have a tendency to have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.

Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's harder for add adult women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.

Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women transition into menopause, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.

women with attention deficit disorder can also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history, and any problems that they may have caused.

Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of adhd symptoms in women test can become worse at various times throughout women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopausal.

ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and are at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.

Talk to your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. There may be solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.

Also, keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and meet your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.

If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers adhd in women uk assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.

For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. 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.

It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences.

Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.

In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the expectations types of adhd in women being a responsible parent or partner, running household duties and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that add symptoms in women manifest and make it harder to manage.

There is a lot of help for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.

If an employee has significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It's important to remember that some people have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different 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. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include 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 assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.