ADHD in Women and Girls

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

These symptoms are more difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently than men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD can have a hard in telling their health care providers that they are suffering from 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 them as they grow older.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you said in the course of a conversation.

Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.

It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly at schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.

In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because when women enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.

Women also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from adhd screening women aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.

Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD scribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.

Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.

Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women and adhd with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with a therapy. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with the same disorder and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment options like therapy and medication. Using organisation tools like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for well-being and health.

Many girls and women with attention deficit disorder who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. These can be related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.

There is plenty of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website adhd in women checklist UK has a specific page for girls and women with important information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.

If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can send them to the most appropriate service that could be a community mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.

It's also important to know that ADHD could be regarded as a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and support at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.