ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise in females because they present differently from males. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults with ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning forgetfulness, having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. adhd in adults women might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they can get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, but some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. In adulthood, this can be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition Your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It may just require some more effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a certified professional. They will also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can help pay for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD 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 beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working properly.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. The ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods including therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that's the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some individuals are unable to be admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. This could be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.