ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted, and not remembering what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Many women with ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in getting diagnosed and receiving 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 during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and be at risk for depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. There may be ways to help, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and meet your goals. It may just require a little more planning and effort.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. The behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. adhd symptoms in adult women that some find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups to connect with other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can refer them to the appropriate service that could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting assessed. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be due to another issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
Also, it's worth noting that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or support 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 occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.