ADHD in Women and Girls<br /><br />According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in women and girls. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.<br /><br />Symptoms can be more difficult to recognise in females because they present differently to males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />Women with ADHD may 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 it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.<br /><br />Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations.<br /><br />Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.<br /><br />It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.<br /><br />In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopause they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.<br /><br />It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />It is important to visit your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they might have caused.<br /><br />Many healthcare professionals fail to recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at various times throughout the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause), and the menopause itself.<br /><br />ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs, and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.<br /><br />If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.<br /><br />You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. <a href="https://dokuwiki.stream/wiki/The_10_Most_Popular_Pinterest_Profiles_To_Keep_Track_Of_About_ADHD_Symptoms_In_Adult_Women">attention deficit disorder in women</a> can still succeed and achieve your goals. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.<br /><br />Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.<br /><br />Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.<br /><br />For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. Changes in the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.<br /><br />CBT can be carried out in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.<br /><br />It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to seek out support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.<br /><br />Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.<br /><br />In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Women and girls with ADHD are often misunderstood. They might exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also get worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.<br /><br />There is a lot of support for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.<br /><br />If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting assessed. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.<br /><br />Also, it's worth noting that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.<br /><br /><br /><br />Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellness and encourages their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.<br /><br />