ADHD in Women and Girls

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

Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently than males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.

Adults with ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said during a conversation.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They might be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.

Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.

Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important add test for women women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or Adhd In Women Uk specialist.

It is also beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you 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 medical history and any issues could have been caused by them.

Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.

Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.

If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. There may be ways to help, such as giving you more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.

It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.

You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss any possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are advised to track your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working properly.

Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.

For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. The ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. However, it is essential 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 to meet other women with the same condition and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.

In modern society women and girls with adhd in women assessment are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, will develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often unappreciated. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also get worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.

There is plenty of help available for women and girls who suffer from high functioning adhd in women. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. Adhd In Women Uk UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it is important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be referred for an assessment. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.

It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have an legal right to request 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 internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.