How ADHD In Women UK Became The Hottest Trend Of 2024 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 to both individuals and the economy.

The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of men. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.


Signs and symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.

The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.

Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.

It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.

Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. This is because as women enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist.

It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their boss or professor, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues they might have caused.

Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.

ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities.

If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. There are solutions, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.

It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. More inspiring ideas may just take a bit more planning and effort.

Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.

Treatment

Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are often caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.

CBT can be carried out in a group or individually with the help of a Therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can help improve the mood and focus while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.

In the modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. adhd in adults women are often due to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the chance of mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.

Support

Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.

There is plenty of support for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to 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 doctor can refer the patient to a service that's most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to note that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be assessed. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.

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

Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and helps their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your business, get in touch now.