ADHD in Women and Girls

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

Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they look different than those of males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.

Signs and symptoms

Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.

Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of mild Adhd In women than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.

Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they're often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.

Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.

Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.

Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which adhd in women symptoms manifests in women. This can cause delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times during the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself.

The signs 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, as well as being at risk of substance abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and mild adhd in Women managing multiple priorities.

Contact your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or focusing on work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.

You should also remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms aren't the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It's going to require some more planning and effort.

You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

It is important for women with attention deficit disorder and girls with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same condition and share their experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.

Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way in which their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with adhd in women signs. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can refer the employee to a service that's most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.

It's also worth noting that adhd in women checklist can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. 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.

Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We offer a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes, and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help for women with adhd your business, get in touch today.