ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in girls and women. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females because they present differently than men. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard in telling their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They might be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't take it seriously. Some women also have trouble finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. This is because as women enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. As adults, this could be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
You should also remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. add adult women are still able to succeed and meet your goals. It might just take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations which offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a professional. They can offer assistance and advice on applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can offer money to assist with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and trouble keeping track of things. Symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment options like therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can help improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is vital to 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 life like being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to manage ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
There is a lot of support for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website includes an entire page devoted to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer them to the appropriate service, which could be a community mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to be aware that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some people find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This could be due to the fact that their challenges are thought to be caused by another issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your business, get in touch now.