ADHD in Women and Girls

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

The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Signs and symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting what was said in conversations.

Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be prone to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.

Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.

Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.

Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD it is important to see 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 could include 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 because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in getting an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of adhd assessment for adult women may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.

ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities.

If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention deficit disorder in adult women in work, talk to your employer. There may be ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.

Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It might just take some extra effort and planning.

You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating solutions to 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 assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to receive medication to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a form of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.

It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve the mood and focus while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.

In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with adhd diagnosis in adult women and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.

There is a lot of help available for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to girls and women with useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their adhd in women Uk and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.

It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule or additional training and 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 variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your company, contact us now.