ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify in females because they present differently to men. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. adhd symptoms in women include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said in a conversation.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they can get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women 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 monitor their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to discover what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, but some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you based on 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 do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times during women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also impact 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 substance abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
You should also remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not due to insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They can also offer assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can offer money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track 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, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. Changing adhd symptoms in women think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in a group. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. 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, friends, and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same condition and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost concentration and mood, while eating a balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes 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, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor will be able to refer them to the appropriate service which could be a mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be referred 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.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and supports their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.