ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of males. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by seeking help and worry that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted and not being able to remember what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit from discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP if 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 the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in getting an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause), and the menopause itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and be at risk for depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you are having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. adhd in adult women test might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It may just require some more planning and effort.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping 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 help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve 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 change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group or individually with an Therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment methods, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These can be related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel unappreciated. They might experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. adhd symptoms in women test includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some individuals have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. This might be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.
treatment for adhd in women 's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.