ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This results in a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently from males. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you said in the course of a conversation.
Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, particularly at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is due to the fact that as women enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While adult add women with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, talk to your employer. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It may just require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge fees, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They can provide assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. The way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. However, it 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 and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with the same condition and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment methods like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often misunderstood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. More methods that their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features important information, events and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may recommend the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people are unable to be assessed. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an able-bodied working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.