ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently than males. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble 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. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may have trouble writing or struggling with spelling and math. They might be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. 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 these with their doctor.
It can also be helpful for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. 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 may include examining your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males because many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. In add adult women , this can mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, talk to your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and reach your goals. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and guidance about claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive 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 medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
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 boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with an therapist. Some people find that eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing 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 boost the mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel not understood. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. There are adhd in adults women as a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a service that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to note that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
adhd in adults women 's also important to know that ADHD can be considered an "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 be a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.