ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This results in a significant cost to both the individual and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently than males. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
Adults with ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. This is because as women start to go through menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor, some do so with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment 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 as well as any problems they might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There may be ways to help, like offering 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 both financial and practical assistance.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. adult add women aren't the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is essential to discuss any possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a type of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. More methods can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. The process of organizing their life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. Getting enough physical activity can boost the mood and focus while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the pressures of modern life, such as being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the condition may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are numerous online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the most appropriate service which could be a mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some individuals find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This could be because their challenges are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be an able-bodied working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.