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.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently from men. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They might be uncomfortable asking for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said during a conversation.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of abuse 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 paying attention in work, speak to your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to 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 disorder and your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that offer ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other treatments that some people 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 speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to get assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet other women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a combination of treatment methods including therapy and medication. Organising their life and tracking deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day routine. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. adhd traits in women can be related to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, running household duties and performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and increase the chance of other mental health conditions developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Additionally, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with helpful 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 difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the appropriate service that could be a local mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD affects their work in a significant way or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule or additional training and support 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 occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.