ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have a difficult to tell their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor will not be able to take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you spoke about during an interaction.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is because when women begin to enter menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor however some have had success in doing so and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD it is important to see your GP. adhd women test iampsychiatry.uk can 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 could include looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men because many health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention at work, speak with your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. There is a possibility of a fee but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.
Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
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 improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost the mood and focus, while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
In the modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel not understood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. Additionally, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor can direct them to the appropriate service which could be a mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some people find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might 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 important to note that if a person's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
Optima Health can help businesses establish an internal culture that promotes wellbeing and helps their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, including e-learning modules mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our services for your business.