ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from the men's. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard time telling their healthcare providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women also have a tendency to find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits 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 who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.
undiagnosed adhd in women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. As women transition into menopause, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD is a must to visit 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 may include a review of your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, 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 cause challenges in managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you are struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. There are ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not due to laziness or low self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge an amount however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can offer advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access treatments and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This could provide funds to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP before starting 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.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change over time and are often caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to receive support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a combination treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.
In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent, managing a household and being productive at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel not understood. They may exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some people are unable to be assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, such as a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD has a significant impact on their work and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they 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 environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.