ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity adhd symptoms for women UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.

Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they look different than those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They might be shy to seek assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment for adhd in women providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.

The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations.

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 problems with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.

It's also harder to spot adhd in women uk symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven adhd adult women treatment symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.

Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. As women transition into menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.

Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make 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, and any problems that could have been caused by them.

Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.

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

If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, [Redirect Only] talk to your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.

You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not due to laziness or low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It may just require some more planning and effort.

You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be assessed by a trained professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.

Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a form of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

women and adhd and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with the same condition and share their experiences.

Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for well-being and health.

Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the chance of other mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way that their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.

There is plenty of help for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a 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 GP may refer the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting times. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not adhd in women assessment.

It's also important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be the ability to work from home or support and training at work.

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