ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
I Am Psychiatry are more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently from men. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopause. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however, some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or diagnose you 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.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms are not due to laziness or low self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It might just take a little more effort and planning.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged an amount, but you will be assessed by a trained professional. They can also offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could provide funds to assist 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 could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working well.
Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. The ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind 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 groups. Other methods that some consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. 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 a support group in order to meet other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the risk of mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
There is a lot of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes an entire page devoted to women and girls 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 experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can send them to the most appropriate service, which could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to note that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people are unable to be assessed. This might be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations 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 help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.