ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently than men. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. This is because when women start to go through menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, some do so with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also 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 disorder and your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It's just going to require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage 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 visits to your GP are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. Changing the way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment options including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for well-being and health.
Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and increase the risk of other mental health conditions that are developing, like depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
There is a lot of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. adhd in adult women test will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service that could be a community mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to remember that due to the absence of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.