ADHD in Women and Girls

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

The symptoms can be difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently from males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.

signs of add in adult women and symptoms

Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.

Adults with ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet.

It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression.

In addition, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.

It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people with adhd in adult women aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

Diagnosis

It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you might have adhd test Adult women (morphomics.science). Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or diagnose you using 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 more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopausal.

ADHD symptoms can affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs, and be at risk for depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities.

Speak to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. There are ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.

You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It may just require a little more effort and planning.

Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working properly.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Women and girls with ADHD should seek out support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who have the same condition and exchange experiences.

Women with ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment method, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.

In modern society women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often due to the pressures of modern life like being a good parent or partner, managing a household and being productive at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with adhd in adults women and may increase the likelihood of mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an online forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee has significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a service that's most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients are unable to be admitted for an assessment. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.

It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.