ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.

Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently to men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding a doctor who understands 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 impulsivity. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation forgetfulness, having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in the course of a conversation.

Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.

It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.

Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.

Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however some have had success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.

Diagnosis

It is essential to see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history, and any problems that they might have caused.

Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the way diagnosing adhd in adult women presents in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.

Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.

If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. There may be ways to help, like offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.

It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and meet your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.

You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers adhd in women symptoms assessments. You may be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim 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 offer money to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women with adhd in adult women are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any 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 to ensure that the medication is working.

Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of adhd adult women of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.

For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can 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 change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out in a group or individually with an therapy. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women with similar conditions and share their experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment methods like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern life, such as being a good partner or parent, managing a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, will develop.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.

There is plenty of help for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.

If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor will be able to direct them to the appropriate service that could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.

It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be the possibility of a flexible work schedule, or additional training and support at work.

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