ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly in schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because as women enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. adult adhd symptoms women is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they could make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history, and any problems that they might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times during the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this can result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, talk to your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and meet 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. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can help pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually caused by life events like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment options including therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for well-being and health.
Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of support for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with useful information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the appropriate service that could be a local mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. It may be that their problems may be due to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your company, contact us now.