ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not be able to 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 frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. adhd in women signs are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.
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. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. adhd traits in women can still achieve your goals and succeed. It might just 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 contact private organizations which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, but you will be evaluated by a professional. They can offer advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with the help of a Therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mix of treatment methods like therapy and medication. Organising their life and tracking deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day routine. Being active enough can help improve concentration and mood and eating a balanced diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it's important to note that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be assessed. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments 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 internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your company, contact us today.