ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a high cost for both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently to males. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning forgetfulness, having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. This is because as women enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however, some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor may 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 could include a look at your symptoms, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and menopausal symptoms itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this can be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. There are solutions, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD might be 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 starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. Getting enough physical activity can improve mood and focus while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often not understood. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It's important to remember that some people are unable to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and supports their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact women and adhd to find out more about our support for your business.