ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity
adhd screening women UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in women and girls. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they look different than the men's. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.

Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be shy to seek help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more susceptible to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women with ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopausal and produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
The signs of adhd in women uk -
bookmarkstore.download - can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There are ways to help, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can provide money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for many people with ADHD. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group or individually with an Therapist. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to seek out support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can
add in adult women to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel not understood. They may experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their
adhd test for adult women, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to note that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as 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.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.