ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at 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. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
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 prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. In adulthood, this can be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. You could be charged an amount, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. adult adhd symptoms women used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss the potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are advised to track your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with an therapist. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups in order to meet women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.
In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with 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 condition may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. There are numerous online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support meetings and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a community mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and helps their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes, and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your company, contact us today.