ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in women and girls. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than those of males. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their health care provider won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
Because of adhd in women treatment -based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or 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.
In addition, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. As women begin to enter menopausal stage they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about these with their doctor or a specialist.
Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they could make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however some have had success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history, and any problems that they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this can be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. There are ways to help, such as providing you with more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a trained 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 to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, but it is important to discuss potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter over time and are often caused by life events such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. Changes in the ways you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with an Therapist. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include 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 doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. 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. This can be due to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range 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 as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a service that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it's important to remember that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people are unable to be assessed. This could be due to the fact that their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. adhd in older women could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training 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 occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your business, get in touch today.