ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may 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 struggle with math or spelling. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making 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 might be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. This is because when women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however some have had the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if 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 includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in 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 during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs, and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if having difficulty focusing or focusing on work. There are ways to help, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be evaluated by a professional. They can provide advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This could provide funds to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. adhd traits in women used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and trouble keeping track of things. Symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapist. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with 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 difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the appropriate service, which could be a local mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, including coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your company, contact us today.
