ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot 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 healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is due to the fact that as women begin to 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 discuss them with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss however, some have found the right solution and are discovering that their employers and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men because many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. As adults, this could be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It may just require some more effort and planning.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This could help you pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss the possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. adult add women can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. The behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be conducted in a group or individually with the help of a Therapist. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for well-being and health.
In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life like being a good parent or partner, managing a household and being productive at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the chance of mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel misunderstood. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. adult adhd in women of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to keep in mind that some people find it difficult to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, such as a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.