ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. add symptoms in women can include problems with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopause. As women begin to enter menopause they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss, some do so with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. In killer deal , this can result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. There may be ways to help, such as providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee however you will be analyzed by a professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can offer money to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is important to discuss any possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment options including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your daily life. Being active enough can improve mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society including being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it's important to note that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals are unable to be assessed. This could be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We offer a wide range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.