ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.

The symptoms can be difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. This can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Symptoms

Women suffering from adhd in women over 50 might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.

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 are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.

Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They might be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.

It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.

Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is due to the fact that as women enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.

It can also be helpful for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth 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 males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times during women's adhd self assessment lives, based on the hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself.

ADHD symptoms can affect the work environment, school and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.

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

It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It might just take a little more effort and planning.

Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could provide funds to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.

The most frequent symptoms of adhd in women diagnosis in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.

For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Other treatments that some people find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. But it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet women with the same problem and share experiences.

Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mix of treatment options like therapy and medication. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your daily life. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being.

In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and doing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the chance of other mental health conditions being developed, including anxiety or depression.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.

There is plenty of help for girls and women who suffer from 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, which includes useful information and [empty] events. There are peer support meetings as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.

If a person is suffering from significant adhd in women uk difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it's important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.

Also, it's important to know that ADHD can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.

Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We offer a range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.