ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't consider the condition seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
Adults with ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are prone to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopausal, they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals don't know how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times during the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances, making important decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It may just take a bit 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 that offer ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be evaluated by a certified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants, though it is important to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working well.
adhd in women uk of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Other treatments that some people find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women 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 who have the same condition and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD could also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern-day society including being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the risk of mental health issues being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may experience emotional symptoms like irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example during menstrual cycles 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 appear and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women with ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as a forum for people to ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to get an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the appropriate service that could be a local mental health facility or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to remember that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD affects their work in a significant way or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We offer a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions, including coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your business, get in touch now.