ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity ADHD UK, adhd symptoms in women test is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.

Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from those of men. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

Signs and add symptoms in women

Women with ADHD may have a difficult time telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in an interaction.

Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.

It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than for 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 diagnosed, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.

Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.

It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, 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 as well as any problems they might have caused.

Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in the 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 period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause.

ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.

If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, like offering more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.

It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It may just require some more planning and effort.

If you're a woman with adhd symptoms in women You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a professional. They can provide assistance and advice on applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help for women with adhd you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can provide money to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

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

Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. Changing the way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior.

CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.

It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.

Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day routine. Getting enough physical activity can improve concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.

In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good parent or partner or managing a household, as well as performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.

There is plenty of support for girls and women who have ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals are unable to be referred for an assessment. This might be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, not Adhd in women over 50.

It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a wide range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.