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 identify due to the fact that they look different from those of men. add symptoms in women can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in the course of a conversation.
Women also have a tendency to 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 might have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They might be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the way ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship 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 crucial decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. There are solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can offer money to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. The way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in groups. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same disorder and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
In the modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the expectations of being a loving spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the chance of other mental health conditions that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also get worse during times of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If add in adult women has significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that is most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be assessed. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the 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 wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your business, get in touch now.