ADHD in Women and Girls

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

Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females because they present differently to men. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They might be shy to seek help, and they fear that their doctor won't consider it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult add in women.

The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. women and adhd are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.

Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.

Due to gender-based stereotypes of sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.

In addition to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.

It can also be helpful for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

Diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that they may have caused.

Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.

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

If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There may be ways to help, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.

It is important to be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms aren't caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It might just take some more effort and planning.

If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.

Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of adhd in adult women of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. The way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other add women with similar conditions and share their experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for health and wellbeing.

In the modern world, many women signs and symptoms of adhd in women girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent, managing a household and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the risk of other mental health issues that are developing, like anxiety or depression.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.

There is plenty of support for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.

If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it is important to note that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals are unable to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, rather than ADHD.

It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to know more about how we can assist your company, contact us today.