ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize in females because they present differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially at schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. This is because when women begin to enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It is also 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 telling their boss or professor, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems could have been caused by them.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
adhd in adult women is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can provide money to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recollecting information. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. Changing the way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to get assistance from their families, friends and 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 multi-faceted treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can improve concentration and mood and eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible parent or partner, managing household duties and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
There is a lot of help available for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides important information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor will be able to send them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to be aware that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.