ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than those of men. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. As women begin to enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP in the event that you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history, and any problems that they might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this can result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You may be able get help by taking more 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 worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. adhd in young women might just take some extra effort and planning.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of an amount, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could provide funds to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD might be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. Changing the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be conducted 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 are beneficial. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their daily lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
In the modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These can be related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to remember that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting assessed. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.