ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently from males. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues they might have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs, and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. Changes in the way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to receive support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their daily lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. attention deficit in women includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to girls and women with useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It's important to remember that some individuals have difficulty being assessed due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. More hints may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.