ADHD in Women and Girls<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They might be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.<br /><br /><br /><br />The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more susceptible to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said in an interaction.<br /><br />Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They might also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.<br /><br />Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. As women enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.<br /><br />It can also be 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. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />If you think you might have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that they might have caused.<br /><br />Women are more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself.<br /><br />The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.<br /><br />If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak with your employer. There may be ways to help, like offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.<br /><br />Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.<br /><br />You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If <a href="https://wiggins-stern-2.thoughtlanes.net/your-family-will-be-grateful-for-having-this-adhd-in-adult-women-symptoms">try here</a> working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.<br /><br />Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.<br /><br />For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. The way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.<br /><br />CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with a therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.<br /><br />It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share their experiences.<br /><br />Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment options, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.<br /><br />In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.<br /><br />There is a lot of support for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to ask questions.<br /><br />If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a service that's most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to be aware that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.<br /><br />It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.<br /><br />At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can help your business, get in touch now.<br /><br />