ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they appear differently than those of men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried 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 an adult.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. As women transition into menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
Women also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they could request to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the criteria established 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.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. There are solutions, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at home occasionally. You might also want to inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms aren't due to lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It may just require some more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations which offer ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Other treatments that some people find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to seek out assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day routine. Getting enough physical activity can improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be related to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
women and adhd and girls with ADHD feel not understood. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum for people to ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that is most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to be aware that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people are unable to be referred for an assessment. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a range of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to know more about how we can help your company, contact us today.