ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently than males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women begin to enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Therefore, adhd symptoms in women adults is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss, some do so with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle), perimenopause, and menopause.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They can offer assistance and advice on applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment method, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the chance of other mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. 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 have other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
There is a lot of help available for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be due to another issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions, including e-learning modules mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your company, contact us today.