ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your medical history, and any problems that could have been caused by them.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. As adults, this could be a problem maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.
Find out adhd in women uk in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a trained professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. 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 to your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment options like medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and being productive at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to remember that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be referred for an assessment. adhd in adult women treatment may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.