ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognise in females because they present differently to men. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
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Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. This is because when women begin to enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be 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. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history as well as any problems could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. There may be solutions, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of an amount, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a form of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to speak with your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for well-being and health.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life, such as being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel unappreciated. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it harder to manage.
There is plenty of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes an entire page devoted to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The GP may recommend the employee to a service that's most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to note that some people have difficulty being referred to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be an able-bodied working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.