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ADHD in Women and Girls ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost to both the individual and the economy. Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard in telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take the condition seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult. Adults suffering from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said during a conversation. Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices. It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression. In addition to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because when women enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor. Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history as well as any problems they might have caused. Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopause. ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities. Speak to your employer if having trouble concentrating or focusing at work. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support. It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It's going to require a little more planning and effort. If you're a woman suffering from ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace. Treatment Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is crucial to discuss potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause. Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour. CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. But it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences. Women with ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing adhd in adult women treatment for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being. In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern life including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, will develop. Support Girls and women with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage. There is a lot of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions. If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can send them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be referred for an assessment. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD. It's also important to know 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 mean a flexible working schedule or additional training and support at work. Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.