ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than those of males. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help and fear that their health care provider won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They are more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They might be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially in schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. As women transition into menopausal stage, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. add symptoms in women is therefore particularly important for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to learn what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, some do so with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at your symptoms, your history, and any problems that could have been caused by them.
Many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in receiving diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in the woman's life, based on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopausal.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships, work and school. In adulthood, this may mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties in managing finances, making crucial decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Contact your employer if having difficulty focusing or paying close attention at work. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't a result of being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still succeed and reach your goals. It may just require a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD, you can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. They may charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They will also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. If you're working in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is crucial to discuss potential adverse effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and difficulty staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually caused by life events such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. Learn Alot more Here in the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be done in one-on-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.
Women and girls with ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mixture of treatment options like therapy and medication. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is an effective way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.
In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These are often due to the pressures of modern life, such as being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD are often unappreciated. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of ADHD may also get worse during times of hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The GP can send them to the appropriate service that could be a community mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to note that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some people have difficulty getting referred for an assessment. This might be because their problems are thought to be due to another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, instead of ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean the possibility of a flexible work schedule, additional training or support at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our support for your business.