ADHD in Women and Girls<br /><br />According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in girls and women. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.<br /><br />The symptoms can be difficult to identify in females because they present differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard to tell their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.<br /><br />The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted or not remembering what was said in conversations.<br /><br />Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.<br /><br />It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to 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, especially at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.<br /><br />Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. <a href="https://www.openlearning.com/u/higginswoods-slf346/blog/10AdhdSymptomsInWomenTricksExpertsRecommend">attention deficit in women</a> can refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history and any issues they might have caused.<br /><br />Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males, as many health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.<br /><br />The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.<br /><br />Contact your employer if having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.<br /><br />It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.<br /><br />If you're a woman with ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be assessed by a professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace.<br /><br /><br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is essential to discuss the possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.<br /><br />Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change over time and are often caused by life events like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.<br /><br />Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. The ways you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.<br /><br />CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.<br /><br />It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences.<br /><br />Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment options including therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can help improve concentration and mood while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being.<br /><br />Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Women and girls with ADHD feel unappreciated. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings and a low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. <a href="https://baird-cohen.mdwrite.net/15-top-twitter-accounts-to-learn-more-about-add-in-adult-women">attention deficit in women</a> can affect the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.<br /><br />The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to women and girls with useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.<br /><br />If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP may recommend the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some people find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD.<br /><br />It's also worth noting that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or support at work.<br /><br />At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your company, contact us now.<br /><br />