ADHD in Women and Girls

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

These symptoms are more difficult to identify in females because they present differently than males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.

Signs and symptoms

Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.

Adults with ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.

Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.

Due to gender-based stereotypes of sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they can get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.

Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.

It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor, but some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you have ADHD is a must to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems could have been caused by them.

Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the way ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in receiving a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.

ADHD add symptoms in adult women can also affect school, work, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.

Speak to your employer if you're having difficulty focusing or focusing on work. There may be ways to help, such as offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.

Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It may just require some extra effort and planning.

You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be evaluated by a professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.

Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with adhd in women over 50 can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behavior.

CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women with best adhd medication for adult women need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being.

Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, managing household duties and 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, could develop.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.

There is plenty of support for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.

If an employee has significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The doctor can send them to the most appropriate service, which could be a mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some people are unable to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.

Also, it's important to note that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.