ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take the condition seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They might also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.
In addition to that, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth 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 they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. As adults, this could result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can offer advice and guidance about applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organisational skills, and difficulty staying focused or remembering things. Symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in a group. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to connect with other women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing women and adhd for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. high functioning adhd in women can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good partner or parent, managing a household 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, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel unappreciated. They might experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings and a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some people have difficulty being admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. This could be because their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.