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ADHD in Women and Girls According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy. Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. Signs and symptoms Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard to tell their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult. Adults with ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said during an interaction. Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet. It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety. Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist. It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, some do so with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations. Diagnosis It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they might have caused. Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. In adhd in adult women , the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times during the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself. The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities. If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. There may be solutions, such as giving you more breaks or permitting you to work 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 important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It may just require some extra effort and planning. If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace. Treatment Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to receive medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is important to discuss the possible side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective. Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause. For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a type of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour. CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with an Therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your 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, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences. Women with ADHD could also benefit from a combination treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can boost mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and well-being. In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop. Support Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These can impact the way their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage. There is plenty of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides important information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum for people to ask questions. If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can send them to the most appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals are unable to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD. Also, it's important to know that ADHD could be regarded as a “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 be the ability to work from home or support and training at work. Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellness and supports their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can support your business, get in touch now.