ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This comes at a high cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is due to the fact that as women enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people suffering from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss however some have had the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history, and any problems that they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
Also, keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can offer assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used could 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 advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. Changing the way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group or individually with a therapist. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as 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. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and well-being.
In modern society women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These are often due to the pressures of modern life including being a good parent or partner or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel not understood. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. adhd women uk can refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals are unable to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This could be because their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include 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 wide range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.