ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognise in females because they present differently than males. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their doctor will not be able to 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.
Adults with ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation, forgetfulness or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social relationships. They might have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they can get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopause and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to keep track of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for 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 had the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, 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.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults may struggle to maintain a job or relationship and be at risk for substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
Speak to your employer if having trouble concentrating or focusing at work. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder, so your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It may just require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman with ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss any potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events, such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. The behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in a group. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences.
adhd in adult women symptoms with ADHD are also able to benefit from a combination of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as being productive at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of other mental health conditions being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often unappreciated. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that provides useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to have 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 neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it is important to remember that due to the absence of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. It could be that their issues are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness classes. If you'd like to know more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.