ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in girls and women. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they look different than those of males. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their health care providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their doctor won't take them seriously. Some women also have trouble finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a lack of focus. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type 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 spoke about during an interaction.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They might have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They may also have trouble maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly identified as having anxiety or depression.
Many women suffering from ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria set forth 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.
Many healthcare professionals fail to know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. inattentive add in women of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You may also inquire about support services such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. You may be charged for a fee, but you will be assessed by a qualified professional. They can offer 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're employed. This can provide money to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
treatment for adhd in women and girls with ADHD are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to implementing treatment. Regular visits to the GP are recommended to monitor the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time, and are often affected by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can reduce your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a form of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in a group or one-on-one with an therapist. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly are beneficial. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same condition and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often due to the pressures of modern society, such as being a good parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD can also worsen during periods of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way in which their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with important information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that's most appropriate, such as an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to remember that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people have difficulty getting admitted for an assessment. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, like a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
adhd in adult women test 's also important to know that ADHD can be considered an "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating 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. Contact us today to find out more about our assistance for your business.