ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of males. This can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard in telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is due to the fact that as women enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however some have had success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history and any issues could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue Your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It may just take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman with ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also advise you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss the potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can lessen your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
adult add women can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with a Therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial 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 and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment options, such as therapy and medication. Using organisation tools like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost concentration and mood while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's 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 increase the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the chance of other mental health conditions that are developing, like depression or anxiety.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also worsen during periods of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also have other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can send them to the appropriate service that could be a mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some individuals have difficulty being admitted to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and encourages their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules, and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your company, contact us now.