ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in women and girls. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently to males. This can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take the condition seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults with ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily or forgetting what was said in conversations.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopause and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however some have had success in doing this and discovering that their employers and school are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you may have ADHD. 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 includes a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems could have been caused by them.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can cause delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms 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, and being at risk of abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or focusing on work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurologic condition. Your symptoms are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It's going to require a little more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be evaluated by a professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced, balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment options like therapy and medication. Using organisation tools like planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Being active enough can boost concentration and mood, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
In modern society women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often related to the pressures of being a caring parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the chance of other mental health conditions that are developing, like anxiety or depression.
treatment for adhd in women and women who suffer from ADHD feel unappreciated. They might exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a section dedicated to girls and women with useful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can direct them to the most appropriate service that could be a community mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to remember that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.
Also, it's important to know that ADHD is a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. adhd symptoms in women test could include a flexible working schedule, or additional training and assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your business, get in touch now.