ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently to 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 are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding 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 difficult time getting diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopause. 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. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to determine what accommodations they can make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however, some have found the right solution and are discovering that their employers and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times during the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, speak with your employer. There are ways to help, like offering 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 is important to be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can provide money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss possible side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to keep track of your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a type of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
adhd in adult women treatment can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Some people find that eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can boost mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of support for girls and women who have ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the appropriate service that could be a mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be assessed. adhd symptoms in women adults may be that their problems may be due to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be the possibility of a flexible work schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your company, contact us now.