ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in girls and women. This is at a huge cost to the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognise in females since they manifest differently from men. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have difficulty telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD. Inattention symptoms may include issues with planning and organisation, being forgetful or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering what was said during conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They might struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, particularly at schools, where they frequently get misdiagnosed for depression or anxiety.
Many women suffering from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. This is because as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their boss or professor, but some have found success in doing this and discovering that their employers and school are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
It is important to visit your GP when you suspect that you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
adhd symptoms in women are more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD manifests in females. This can result in delays in receiving a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can worsen at different times in women's lives, based on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships as well as school and work. In adulthood, this can be a problem keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance use, 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 are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work, speak with your employer. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can offer both financial and practical assistance.
Also, keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD you can find more information on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also advise 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 specialized equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women 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 starting treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to monitor the progress of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can alter with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. The way you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to get assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can join support groups in order to meet women who have similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Being active enough can boost mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the pressures of being a responsible parent or partner, managing household duties and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might exhibit emotions such as anger and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menstruation. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way that their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for women and girls who suffer from ADHD. There are numerous online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can 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 GP will be able to direct them to the appropriate service which could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to note that due to the lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be assessed. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, such as mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, 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 be the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an environment of wellbeing and support for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions, including e-learning modules coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your business, get in touch now.