ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to recognize in females since they manifest differently from men. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be uncomfortable asking for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't take the condition seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become wildly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly in school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with 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 talk about the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of 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, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of use, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact signs of add in adult women if you're having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms are not caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It may just require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman with ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a trained professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can help pay for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. Symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same condition and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. Being active enough can boost mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society including being a good partner or parent, managing a household and being productive at work. This could make it harder to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often not understood. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like 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 is plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to direct them to the appropriate service which could be a mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This could be due to the fact that their problems are thought to be due to another issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, not ADHD.
Also, it's worth noting that ADHD is an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to know more about how we can help your company, contact us now.