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 the individual and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognise in females because they present differently than men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard to tell their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopausal stage, they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however some have had success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, talk to your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It is important to be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. adult adhd in women 's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are able to receive medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. However, adult adhd in women is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to connect with other women with the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost the mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the chance of mental health issues being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel misunderstood. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way that their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an online 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 GP can direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to be aware that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some people find it hard to be assessed. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, such as a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.