ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently from men. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard to tell their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take it seriously. Women also face difficulties finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
adhd in older women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They might struggle with handwriting or with math and spelling skills. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopause and perimenopausal periods. This is because when women enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor can 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 may include a review of the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men because many health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You can also ask 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 issue and your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can help pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the development of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for many people with ADHD. The way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or individually with an Therapist. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get assistance from their families, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods including treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in our modern society. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD 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 depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. However, it is important to note that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some individuals are unable to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, such as mental health issues or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.