ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify because they look different than those of males. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard time telling their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. women and adhd may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They might be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. undiagnosed adhd in women is because as women enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however some have had success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your history, and any problems that could have been caused by them.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in getting an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. There may be ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It may just require some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or individually with the help of a therapy. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as therapy and medication. The process of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
In modern society women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of modern life, such as being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of other mental health issues that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also get worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The GP can send them to the appropriate service which could be a local mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some individuals have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting times. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.