ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed for girls and women. This comes at a significant cost to individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently than men. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They might be uncomfortable asking for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the issue seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems in planning, organisation forgetfulness, being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you said during a conversation.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
inattentive add in women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. As women begin to enter menopause, they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
Women also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they can ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
signs of add in adult women
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the ways ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
The signs of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this may be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of use depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances making decisions, and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. You may be able 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 provide practical and financial assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It's going to require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They may charge an amount, but you'll be assessed by a certified professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping 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 can assist in paying for things like specialized equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could 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 development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the ways you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy for talking that helps you to alter negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. But it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to get support from their family, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups in order to meet women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a mixture of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners are beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society, such as being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, signs of add in adult women who suffer from ADHD suffer from 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 is 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 has an entire page devoted to women and girls with useful information and events. These include peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The doctor can send them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to remember that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals find it hard to be referred for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellness and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellness and occupational health interventions, such as coaching programs, e-learning modules and mindfulness training workshops. If you'd like to know more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.