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 since they manifest differently from men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause.

Symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They might be embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.

Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.

Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because when women begin to enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however, some have found success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.

Diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer to an expert, 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 medical history and any issues they may have caused.

Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause.

The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and may be at risk of 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're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. There may be ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.

It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It might just take a little more effort and planning.

If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that provide ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can help pay for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from adhd symptoms in women can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to keep track of your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.

Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.

CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with an therapy. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet women with the same condition and exchange experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your daily life. Getting enough physical activity can help improve concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being.

Many girls and women with adhd In women Uk experience a high functioning adhd in women level of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern society including being a good partner or parent, managing a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.

There is plenty of support for girls and women who have ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women in adhd and girls with useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and a forum for people to ask questions.

If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a service that's most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to keep in mind that some people find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be due to the fact that their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or addiction, 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 the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your business, get in touch today.