ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize in females because they present differently from males. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their health care provider won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women can also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. This is because when women begin to enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their boss or professor 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 is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the criteria set 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 recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in receiving a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. As adults, this could result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. There may be ways to help, like offering more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms aren't caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still be successful and reach your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. adhd symptoms in women test can also contact private organizations which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is working properly.
Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or remembering things. Symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Other methods that some find helpful are eating an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment options, such as therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for women and girls who have ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings 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 GP may recommend the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to remember that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be referred for an assessment. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or support at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions, including e-learning modules mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your company, contact us today.