ADHD in Women and Girls

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

These symptoms are more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

Signs and symptoms

Women with ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.

Adults with ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of adhd women uk than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation 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 may be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.

Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.

Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of best adhd medication for adult women symptoms during menopausal and adhd assessment for Women perimenopausal periods. This is because as women enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.

It is also beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.

Diagnosis

It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examiningadvise you 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 special equipment and modifications at the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with Adhd assessment for Women can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is essential to discuss potential side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the progress of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.

Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. The way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behavior.

CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with the help of a Therapist. Other treatments that some people find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

It is essential for girls and women with adhd in women over 50 to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.

Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent, managing a household and performing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, will develop.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, add test for women example menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have 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 is plenty of support available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum for people to ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting assessed. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.

It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.

At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your business, get in touch now.