ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.

The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.

signs of adhd in adult women and symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.

The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention deficit disorder in adult women or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems 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 can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.

It's also more difficult to recognize adhd inattentive type women symptoms in women than it is in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.

Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review oisation that offers ADHD tests. You could be charged for a fee, but you will be assessed by a professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This could provide funds to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have 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.

For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can lessen your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.

CBT can be carried out in a group or individually with the help of a therapy. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet women who have the same condition and exchange experiences.

Women with ADHD could also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being.

Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the chance of mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.

Support

Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.

There is a lot of support for girls and women who have ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.

If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their adhd assessment for adult women, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can direct them to the appropriate service, which could be a local mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.

Also, it's worth noting that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and support at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating 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 training workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.