ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of males. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard in telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the condition 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 difficulty staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you said during an interaction.
Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They might also have difficulty to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. This is because when women begin to enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they could request 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 however, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth 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 are often more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. see it here may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs, and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. There are ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It might just take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They can offer advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication 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 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 working properly.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to seek out support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment options including medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often misunderstood. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a local mental health service or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness classes. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your company, contact us today.