ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they look different than those of males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have a difficult to tell their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They might be shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider the issue seriously. Women also face difficulties finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said during an interaction.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially at school, where they can get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you 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 fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
The signs of ADHD can also impact 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 use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Speak to your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. There are solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It may just require some more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. You may be charged for a fee, but you will be assessed by a professional. They can offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can provide money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with an therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet women who have the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods, such as medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These can be related to the pressures of being a responsible spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings and a low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also worsen during periods of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful 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 can refer them to the appropriate service that could be a local mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to note that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people are unable to be referred for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
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