ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently than males. This is also caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be embarrassed by asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more prone to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They might also find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD also experience worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women can also benefit by discussing their issues with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in receiving a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this can be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention at work, talk to your employer. There may be ways to help, like giving you more breaks or permitting you to work from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
You should 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 succeed. It might just take some extra effort and planning.
If add women 're a woman suffering from ADHD, you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, but you will be assessed by a trained professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
It is important for girls and women with ADHD to get support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
adhd in adult women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment options, such as therapy and medication. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great way to manage your daily life. Being active enough can help improve mood and focus while eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. These are often due to the pressures of modern life like being a good parent or partner or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping 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 often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it harder to manage.
There is a lot of help for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. This includes 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 may refer the patient to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some individuals find it difficult to be referred to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible schedule or additional support and training 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 wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness classes. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.