ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This results in a significant cost for both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as they grow older.
Adults with ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
undiagnosed adhd in women 's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal changes their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be 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 at school. While many people with 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 provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the way ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times during the woman's life, based on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.
The symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, speak to your employer. There may be solutions, such as offering more breaks or allowing you to work at 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 important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't due to being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on applying for benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can provide money to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
The most frequent 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 may change over time and are frequently influenced by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a kind of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment methods like medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily life and tracking deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in today's society. These are often due to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as being productive at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the risk of other mental health conditions developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel misunderstood. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and feeling of not being confident in themselves. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a 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 can direct them to the most appropriate service, which could be a community mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some people find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, eLearning modules and mindfulness training workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.