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 both individuals and the economy.

Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.

Signs and symptoms

Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who 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 likely to have the inattentive kind of adhd in women adult than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties add in women test planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said during the course of a conversation.

Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.

It's also harder to spot adhd in middle aged women symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly at schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.

Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because when women enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

Women also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some have found success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

Diagnosis

It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist, or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.

Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the way Adhd Screening Women manifests in females. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself.

The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs, and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.

Speak to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. There may be ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.

It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It's just going to 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 companies which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can offer money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is important to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. Symptoms can change over time and are often caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.

For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. 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 suffering from ADHD to get support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.

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

In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, running household duties and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often unappreciated. They may display emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.

There is a lot of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor will be able to send them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. This could be because their challenges are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.

Also, it's important to know that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or support at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your company, contact us now.