ADHD in Women and Girls

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

The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD can have a hard to tell their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting what was said during conversations.

Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.

Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially in school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.

Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because as women enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

It is also beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss however, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.

Many healthcare professionals fail to recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout women's lives, based on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.

Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.

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

It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition Your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It might just take a little 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 organizations which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with 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 as well as Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed 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 implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.

Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.

For many people with adhd in women assessment, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women with the same disorder and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being.

In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state types of adhd in women pressure and stress. These are often due to the pressures of modern society including being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.

Support

Girls and women with adhd in women uk feel not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also get worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a service that's most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to be aware that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, like a radical guide for women with adhd addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.

It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and support at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a wide range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your company, contact us now.