ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they look different than the men's. attention deficit in women can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more susceptible to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you said during an interaction.
Women also have a tendency to have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They might also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal stage, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however some have had success in doing this and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It's going to require a little more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a professional. They can offer advice and guidance about claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This could provide funds to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women with the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment options including therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for well-being and health.
In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to remember that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people are unable to be referred for an assessment. This might be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a wide range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.