ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said in a conversation.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. adhd in adult women symptoms may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. This is because when women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in getting an assessment and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times in women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this can result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, talk to your employer. There are solutions, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be evaluated by a professional. They can also offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is important to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working well.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapy. Other therapies that many find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mix of treatment options including medication and behavioural therapy. The process of organizing their life and tracking deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your daily life. Being active enough can boost the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. This can be due to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people 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 doctor will be able to refer them to the most appropriate service that could be a mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some people are unable to be admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. 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 if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.