ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is a huge cost for both individuals and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently than males. It can also be worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel uncomfortable asking for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may have trouble writing or struggling 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 for men due to gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women start to go through menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor, but some have found the right solution and are discovering that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can 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 may include examining your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You may also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition Your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and be successful. It might just take some more effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies that provide ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a certified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you if you are eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can offer money to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are able to receive medication to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults is inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women suffering from ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that helps change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to get support from their family members, colleagues and friends. They can also join support groups to meet women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. inattentive add in women of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day routine. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.
Many girls and women with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as doing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the likelihood of mental health issues being developed, including depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often not understood. They might experience emotional symptoms like irritability as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way that their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charitable organizations. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support meetings and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, for instance a community mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist service. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD significantly impacts their work, it can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or 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 wide range of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.