ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult time telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. This is because when women begin to enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, 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 have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor may 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 looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Contact your employer if you're having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It's going to require some more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can help pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or individually with a therapy. Other methods that some find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. But it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women with ADHD to receive support from their family members, 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 could also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your daily life. Being active enough can help improve mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a responsible parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many people with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way that their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of support for girls and women who have ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. look at more info will be able to send them to the most appropriate service which could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to remember that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, rather than ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.