ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to have the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. This is because when women enter menopausal changes 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 these with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD is a must to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. undiagnosed adhd in women of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
Speak to undiagnosed adhd in women if you're struggling to concentrate or focusing on work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It's going to require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could provide funds to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss the possible side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recollecting information. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Using organisation tools such as 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 well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and being productive at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger, mood swings and a low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way in which their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to remember that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be admitted for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have an legal right to request 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 assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a wide range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your business, get in touch now.