ADHD in Women and Girls

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

The symptoms can be difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently from men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.

Signs and symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard in telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their doctor won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.

Adults suffering from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms include issues with planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.

Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.

It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.

Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopausal stage, they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some have found the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems could have been caused by them.

Many healthcare professionals don't know how adhd in women uk manifests in women. This can cause delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.

The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges add in adult women managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.

If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There may be solutions, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.

It's important to remember that adhd symptoms in women adults is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It might just take some more effort and planning.

Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding 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 assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change with time and are usually caused by life events such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.

For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. Changing the way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

It is important for girls and women with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same condition and share their experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for well-being and health.

In modern society women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible parent or partner, running household duties and performing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Girls and women and attention deficit disorder, from this source, with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.

There is a lot of help for women and girls who have ADHD. There are numerous online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as a forum for people to ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can send them to the most appropriate service that could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals have difficulty being assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, Women And Attention Deficit Disorder and not ADHD.

It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.

Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, including coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.