ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise in females because they present differently than males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard in telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take the condition seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily, and not remembering what you said in an interaction.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they're often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopause. As women begin to enter menopausal stage, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history, and any problems that they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and are at risk of depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, talk to your employer. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms aren't the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It may just require a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a professional. They can provide advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is essential to discuss the potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with a Therapist. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. adhd symptoms women is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet women with the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women with ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment methods including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel misunderstood. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to refer them to the most appropriate service, which could be a mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some people have difficulty being referred to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be due to the fact that their issues are believed to be due to another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.