ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently than men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed to ask for assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults with ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. As add in adult women enter menopausal stage, they produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
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 enhance 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 success in doing this and finding that their workplaces and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males because many health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. In adulthood, this can result in having difficulty keeping a job or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances as well as making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
Speak to your employer if having trouble concentrating or paying close attention at work. There may be ways to help, such as providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home for a few hours. You can also ask 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 and your symptoms aren't caused by being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and meet your goals. It may just require some extra effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. If you're working, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, though it is essential to discuss potential side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working properly.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty staying on task or recollecting information. Symptoms can change with time and are usually affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Other therapies that many find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician prior to 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 in order to meet other women with the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.
In modern society women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These can be related to the expectations of being a responsible parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the risk of mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger, mood swings, and a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a range of online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features helpful information, events, and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD problems, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor will be able to send them to the appropriate service which could be a community mental health service or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. It is important to keep in mind that some people have difficulty being admitted to an assessment due to a lack clinical awareness or lengthy waiting times. This might be because their challenges are thought to be caused by another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD.
Also, it's worth noting that ADHD can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could include the possibility of a flexible work schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
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