ADHD in Women and Girls

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

The symptoms can be difficult to identify in females because they present differently than men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.

Symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult add in women woman.

Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.

Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.

Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity in women or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.

Many women with mild adhd in women also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. This is because when women begin to enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.

It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD is a must to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth 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 more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of adhd for Adult women may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself.

ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and be at risk for depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.

If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. There may be ways to help, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.

Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't due to laziness or low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.

You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They can provide assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to receive medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.

Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.

Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from adhd adult women treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with an therapy. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to connect with other women who have the same problem and share experiences.

Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment options, such as therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware types of adhd in women deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.

Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be related to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often unappreciated. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there is plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users 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 will be able to refer them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to note that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.

Also, it's worth noting that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or support at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create 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 training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your company, contact us today.