ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This is at a huge cost to individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify in females because they present differently to males. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult time telling their health care providers that they have symptoms of the condition. They may be shy to seek help, and they fear that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as an adult woman.
The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted, and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, getting distracted easily and forgetting what you spoke about during an interaction.
Women can also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them prone to lash out in anger, become overly emotional, and have trouble with social interactions. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's more difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, especially at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
In addition, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women enter menopausal and produce less estrogen. This can exacerbate symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
Women can also benefit from discussing their issues with their colleagues and teachers to discover what accommodations they could make to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD don't feel comfortable telling their professor or boss however, some have found success in doing this and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to offer reasonable accommodation.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer to a specialist, or diagnose you based on the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include examining your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not know how ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and may be at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and having to manage multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if struggling to concentrate or focusing at work. There may be solutions, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder Your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It may just take a bit more planning and effort.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD assessments. You could be charged an amount, but you will be assessed by a professional. They can provide advice and assistance in the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This can offer money to help with things such as specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress, and to ensure the medication is working properly.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulties finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often affected by life events like menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For signs and symptoms of adhd in women with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. 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 can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with the help of a therapy. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a healthy diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or taking any supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to connect with other women who have the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment methods including therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, 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.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in our modern society. This can be due to the pressures of modern-day society including being a good parent or partner or managing a household, as well as performing well at work. This can add to the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the risk of other mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are often unappreciated. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger as well as mood swings and lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These can impact the way their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of support for women and girls who have ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls that features important information, events and support groups. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is suffering from significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor can recommend the employee to a service that is most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It is important to note that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some individuals are unable to be admitted for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are attributed to another issue, such as a mental illness or addiction, and not ADHD.
It's also important to know that ADHD can be considered a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.
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