ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This results in a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of males. signs of add in adult women can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about seeking help and worry that their healthcare provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, getting distracted easily, and not remembering what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be prone to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. This is because as women enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or a specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found the right solution and are discovering that their employers and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an assessment based on the criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in obtaining an assessment and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this can result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. There may be ways to help, like offering more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and reach your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged for a fee, but you will be assessed by a professional. They can provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. Symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. The behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapy. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial 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 or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment options, such as medication and behavioural therapy. 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 vital to health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition may also get worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. treatment for adhd in women can affect the way that the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with helpful information, events, and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can refer the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to note that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their issues are due to a different issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions, including e-learning modules mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.