ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to spot because they look different than the men's. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said in a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
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 keep track of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the criteria established 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.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties in managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. 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 provide practical and financial assistance.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by laziness or low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and succeed. It's going to require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. You may be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could help you pay for things like specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. adhd in women used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. adhd symptoms in women -ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or individually with an therapy. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include eating an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing 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 mood and focus, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential to overall health and well-being.
In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel misunderstood. They may experience emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles 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 that their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from 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 that features important information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a local mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some individuals find it difficult to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses develop an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and supports their employees. We offer a range of wellbeing and occupational health interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact adhd in women to learn more about our services for your business.