ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently than males. This can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They might also find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. As women begin to enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor however some have had success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer to a specialist, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopause.
Symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty 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 in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention in work, speak to your employer. There may be solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It might just take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of an amount, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be carried out in a group or individually with the help of a Therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods and getting plenty of exercise. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can improve concentration and mood and eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. These can be related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
signs and symptoms of adhd in women and women with ADHD feel not understood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also get worse during times of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way in which their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a treatment that is the most appropriate, for instance a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it is important to remember that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions, including e-learning modules mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your company, contact us now.