ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently than males. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. adhd in women checklist may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their healthcare provider will not be able to take them seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you said during an interaction.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have problems with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behavior, it's difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. As women transition into menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. adhd in women signs . Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs, and be at risk for depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making critical decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You may be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
You should also remember that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It may just require a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD tests. You could be charged an amount, however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can also offer advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This could provide funds to help with things such as special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are prescribed medication to 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 implementing treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be a very effective treatment. The way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to seek out support from their family members, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with similar conditions and share their experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment options including medication and behavioural therapy. Organising their daily life and tracking deadlines using planners is an effective way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues such as irritability, mood swings and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to keep in mind that some people find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also important to note that ADHD could be regarded as an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a significant impact on a person's employment. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include a flexible schedule or additional 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 wide range 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 support your company, contact us today.