ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women begin to enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you 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 past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to problems with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, talk to your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can provide money to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat 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 GP visits are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same condition and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination of treatment options including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
In adhd in young women there are many girls and women who with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features important information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings and a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The GP can refer them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals are unable to be admitted for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD.
Also, it's worth noting that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, or additional training and support at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules, and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.