ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize in females because they present differently than men. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
Adults with ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer 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 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 history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopause.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, speak with your employer. There may be ways to help, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They can provide advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss potential side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a form of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD could also benefit from a combination treatment method, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. Being active enough can boost concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good parent or partner, managing a household and being productive at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
There is plenty of support for women and girls who have ADHD. There are adhd in women adult of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to note that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training 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, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your company, contact us now.