ADHD in Women and Girls<br /><br />ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.<br /><br />Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be uncomfortable asking for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.<br /><br />The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you said during an interaction.<br /><br />Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.<br /><br />Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.<br /><br />In addition, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. As women transition into menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.<br /><br />Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however some have had the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />If you think you have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they may have caused.<br /><br />Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.<br /><br />ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.<br /><br />If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. There may be solutions, such as offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.<br /><br />It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.<br /><br />Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">add test for women</a> can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD tests. They might charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medications 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 visits to the GP are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.<br /><br />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 as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.<br /><br />For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.<br /><br />CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.<br /><br />Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.<br /><br />Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as therapy and medication. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful 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.<br /><br />In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often related to the expectations of being a loving spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the risk of other mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.<br /><br />There is a lot of help for girls and women who have ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to ask questions.<br /><br />If an employee has significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to refer them to the most appropriate service that could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to be aware that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients are unable to be assessed. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.<br /><br />Also, it's important to know that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.<br /><br /><br /><br />At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.<br /><br />