ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently than males. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They might be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. 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 for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women transition into menopausal and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they could request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. As adults, this could result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. There may be ways to help, such as offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
You should also remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time, and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
adhd symptoms in adult women can be carried out in a group or individually with an therapy. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of other mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to be aware that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD could be regarded as a "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 an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes, and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your company, contact us today.