ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard in telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They might also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women transition into menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. 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 past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. In add symptoms in women , the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and are at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, talk to your employer. There are solutions, such as giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
Also, keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD tests. You may be charged an amount, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is important to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a form of therapy through which you to alter negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Other methods that some find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get support from their family members, 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 may also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good parent or partner or managing a household, as well as being productive at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It's important to remember that some individuals have difficulty being admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual'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 include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your company, contact us now.