ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognise in females because they present differently from males. This can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their health care provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They might also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. As women transition into menopause they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you may have ADHD. 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 includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition), and the menopause itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, like offering more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition Your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a certified professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for 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 employed. This could provide funds to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually caused by life events such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. By changing adhd symptoms in women adults behave and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral 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 individually with a therapy. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to receive support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet other women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods like medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily life and tracking deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. Getting enough physical activity can improve concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These are often due to the pressures of modern life like being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and performing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of other mental health issues being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and a forum for people to 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 can refer the patient to a service that's 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 find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It 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 has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments 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 support for their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.