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ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This is a huge cost to the individual and the economy. The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman. Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms include issues in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you spoke about during the course of a conversation. Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet. Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety. Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. As women transition into menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor. Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they could request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their boss or professor however, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis If you think you have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused. Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself. ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities. Speak to your employer if you are struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance. It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more planning and effort. You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a professional. high functioning adhd in women can offer advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can provide money to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace. Treatment Girls and women with ADHD are able to receive medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working. Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause. For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. Changes in the ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking. CBT can be done in a group or individually with an therapist. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences. Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for well-being and health. Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions being developed, including anxiety or depression. Support Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage. The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions. If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can direct them to the appropriate service that could be a local mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people have difficulty getting assessed. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD. It's also important to note that ADHD is an “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule, or additional training and support at work. At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to know more about how we can help your company, contact us today.