ADHD in Women and Girls

adhd In women Diagnosis in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.

The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they’re experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their doctor won’t take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.

Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet.

It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.

Additionally to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.

Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however some have had the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.

Diagnosis

It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they’ve caused.

Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don’t recognise the way ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause.

The symptoms of adhd in women treatment can also affect relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.

If you’re having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.

It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not due to laziness or low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It’s going to take a bit more planning and effort.

If you’re a woman who suffers from ADHD you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They can provide advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you’re working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you’re eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.

Treatment

women in adhd and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the growth of your child’s or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out 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 away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

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

Women with ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. Getting enough physical activity can improve mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being.

Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today’s society. These are often related to the pressures of being a loving spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions being developed, including depression or anxiety.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.

There is a lot of help for women and girls who have inattentive adhd in women. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK’s website features a page dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.

If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can send them to the most appropriate service that could be a mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, not ADHD.

It’s also worth noting that if an individual’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 the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.

At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.