ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognise in females because they present differently to men. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. This is because when women start to go through menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their employers and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. As adults, this could be a problem maintaining a job or in a relationship, and being at risk of substance abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. There are solutions, such as giving you more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It's just going to take some extra effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This can provide money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
adhd in women treatment and women who suffer from ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time and are frequently influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. The way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in a group. Other treatments that some people consider beneficial include eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the chance of other mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems 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 is plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. There are numerous online support groups, resources, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service that could be a local mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to remember that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people find it hard to be assessed. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
Also, it's worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your business, get in touch now.