ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they look different than those of men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you said in the course of a conversation.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is because as women enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be helpful for women to talk about their problems with coworkers 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 professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
Contact your employer if you are struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. adhd in women test may change over time and are often affected by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. Changes in the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same condition and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment methods including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel unappreciated. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP will be able to direct them to the appropriate service, which could be a local mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting times. This might be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your company, contact us now.