ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they look different than those of men. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be uncomfortable asking for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy food choices.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sex and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially in school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because as women enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can request to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss, but some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD is a must to consult 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 includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can lead to delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include during pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the run-up to menopause), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. There may be ways to help, like giving you more breaks or the option of working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
Also, remember that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. Your symptoms aren't the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. 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 provide ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, but you will be evaluated by a professional. adhd in adult women symptoms provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the growth of your child's or yourself and ensure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organizational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. The behavior and thoughts you make can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) which is a form of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapy. Other therapies that many consider beneficial include eating a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for women and girls with ADHD to get assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups to meet women who suffer from the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix of treatment methods like therapy and medication. 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. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for health and well-being.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern society like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as being productive at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and increase the chance of other mental health conditions being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often not understood. They may display emotions such as anger and mood swings, and a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals with ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available to women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful 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 doctor can refer the patient to a service that's the most appropriate, for instance a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It's important to remember that some individuals are unable to be assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting periods. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
signs and symptoms of adhd in women 's also important to note that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. add symptoms in adult women could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a range of occupational health and wellness interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules, and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.