ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently from males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said during a conversation.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially in schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. This is because as women begin to enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you 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 problems that they might have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men, as many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. see it here can result in delays in getting an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Speak to your employer if having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. There are solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
You should also remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It's going to require some 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 private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a type of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with an therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination of treatment options including medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost mood and focus while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it is important to remember that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients are unable to be assessed. This could be due to the fact that their challenges are thought to be caused by another issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness classes. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your company, contact us today.