ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently than men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard to tell their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. women and adhd who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.
adhd in older women are often more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and the menopausal phase itself.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. As adults, this could be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. There may be ways to help, such as providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
You should also keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not the result of lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It may just take a bit more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can help pay for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can alter over time and are often affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. The ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be related to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often misunderstood. They might exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can send them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some people have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting times. This could be because their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. adhd in women treatment have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.