ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot because they look different than the men's. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women begin to enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their boss or professor however, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD is a must to visit 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 may include examining your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognise 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 that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships, work and school. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making important decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not caused by laziness or low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It may just take a bit more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a qualified professional. They can also offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can provide money to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Other treatments that some people find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking 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 to meet other women with the same condition and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. Being active enough can help improve concentration and mood, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the chance of mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. attention deficit disorder in women might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also get worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of support for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some people find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can assist your company, contact us now.