ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This comes at a high cost to both the individual and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently from males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard in telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They might be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take the condition seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They might be unable to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women begin to enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or a specialist.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to find out what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some do it with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD it is important to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in receiving a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body at different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
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, and being at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They will also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're employed 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 help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. signs of add in adult women is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. Changing the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with a Therapist. Other therapies that many find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek out support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women with the same condition and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment methods, such as medication and behavioural therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can help improve concentration and mood and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These can be related to the pressures of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often misunderstood. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with important information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can refer them to the appropriate service, which could be a mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that some people find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means they have an legal right to request 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 environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a range of wellness and occupational health interventions, including eLearning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness classes. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your business, get in touch now.