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ADHD in Women and Girls

According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed for girls and women. This is a huge cost to the individual and the economy.

These symptoms are more difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently to males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period, pregnancy or menopause.

Symptoms

Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to tell their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take the condition seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.

The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more susceptible to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you said in a conversation.

Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more likely to shout in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They might be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.

It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have more trouble being recognised as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.

In addition that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because as women start to go through menopause, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.

It can also be helpful for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however, some have found the right solution and are finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to offer reasonable accommodation.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor can refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment 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 issues they may have caused.

Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the way ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause), perimenopause, and menopausal.

ADHD symptoms can affect work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.

If you're having difficulty focusing or paying attention in work, speak with your employer. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.

It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and be successful. It might just take some more effort and planning.

You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations that provide ADHD assessments. They might charge an amount however, you'll be evaluated by a certified professional. They can offer advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating treatments and dealing with 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 assist in paying for things like special equipment and adaptations at the workplace.

Treatment

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants. However, it is essential to discuss potential side effects with your GP before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.

Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, ineffective organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or recollecting information. The symptoms can alter over time and are often affected by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.

Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing how you behave and think, you can reduce your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. add symptoms in women and girls with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it is a kind of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking.


CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist, or in a group. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.

Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women who have the same problem and share experiences.

Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mix of treatment options like treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.

In our modern world, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These can be related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, running household duties and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.

Support

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, and an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the disorder can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.

The good news is that there is plenty of support available to girls and women suffering from 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 useful information, events and support groups. These include peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.

If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD difficulties it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a treatment that is the most appropriate, for instance an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It's important to remember that some people are unable to be admitted to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This could be due to the fact that their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, rather than ADHD.

It's also worth noting that if a person's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean 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 provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your business.

Member since: Friday, October 11, 2024

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