ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms can be difficult to identify in females because they present differently to males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They might be uncomfortable asking for help, and they fear that their doctor won't consider it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They are susceptible to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms for women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being identified, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
In addition, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is because when women start to go through menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their doctor or specialist.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss about their issues, some do so with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or diagnose you based on 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.
adhd in women uk do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause) and menopausal symptoms itself.
ADHD symptoms can affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may struggle to maintain relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. There may be solutions, such as providing you with more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It might just take a little more effort and planning.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organisations that offer ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be evaluated by a certified professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. Changing the behavior and thoughts you make can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of behavior and thinking.
CBT can be done in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. It is important to consult your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to receive support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same condition and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment methods including therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for well-being and health.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. This can be due to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running household chores and performing 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, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often misunderstood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. In addition, many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help for girls and women who have ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that provides important information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a service that's the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting assessed. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work or work, it may be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be an able-bodied working schedule or additional training and support at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions including e-learning modules, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance for your business.