ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise in females because they present differently to men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be shy to seek assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults with ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist.
Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
treatment for adhd in women can be more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing many priorities.
Talk to your employer if you are struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It may just require some more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They can offer assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to get support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their daily life and tracking deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day routine. Being active enough can improve mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the risk of mental health issues that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often misunderstood. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help 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 page dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some individuals have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD is a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellness and supports their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.