ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This is a huge cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently from males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard time telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed seeking help and worry that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. read this article are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting what was said in conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however some have had the right solution and are discovering that their employers and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you 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 issues could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in getting an assessment and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this may be a problem maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak with your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They can provide advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss the possible side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost 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 behavior and thinking.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women with ADHD to receive support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like irritability, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way in which their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help available for girls and women who have ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support groups and a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The GP can refer them to the appropriate service, which could be a local mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It's important to remember that some individuals are unable to be referred to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.