ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they look different than the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their doctor won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult adhd symptoms women.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention-attention deficit disorder in women form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in the course of a conversation.
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 trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet.
It's also harder to spot adult female adhd symptoms symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. As women begin to enter menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you 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 issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. As adults, this could mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You might be able to get help by taking more 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 assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.
Adults with ADHD often show signs and symptoms of adhd in women of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from adhd in women uk should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet other women with the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a responsible parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the likelihood of mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often unappreciated. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. adhd screening women UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the most appropriate service which could be a local mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to note that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some people are unable to be admitted for an assessment. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.