ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity Adhd In Women Test Free UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in girls and women. This is a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Females’ symptoms are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than those of men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may feel shy to seek help, and they fear that their doctor won’t be able to take the issue seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
The most common symptoms of adhd in adult women for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women also have a tendency to struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social interactions. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than it is in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being identified, especially at school where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women with ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal periods. As women enter menopause, they produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren’t comfortable telling their boss or professor however, some do it with success and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria established 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 don’t recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at various times throughout a woman’s life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. There may be ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You may also inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It’s also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren’t a result of being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It’s going to take a bit more planning and effort.
If you’re a woman who suffers from best adhd medication for adult women You can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD tests. They may charge a fee however, you’ll be evaluated by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can provide money to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child’s progress, and to ensure the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually caused by life events like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behavior.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your physician before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day routine. Being active enough can help improve concentration and mood, while eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital to overall health and well-being.
In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a caring spouse or parent, running a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many people suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for women and girls who have adhd inattentive type women. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK’s website has a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings and a forum for people to ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can send them to the most appropriate service that could be a local mental health facility or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It’s important to remember that some people are unable to be referred to an assessment because of a lack types of adhd in women clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It may be that their problems are attributed to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It’s also important to know that ADHD can be considered to be a “disability” under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person’s job. They are entitled 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 offer a wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions, including e-learning modules mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch today.