ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still not properly diagnosed according to the charity ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to identify because they appear differently than the men's. It can also be caused by hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard time telling their medical professionals that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women may find it difficult to find healthcare providers who are aware of their condition and how it affects their lives as an adult.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulties paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and the tendency to be impulsive. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or missing appointments, not completing tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you spoke about during an interaction.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding gender and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Many women with ADHD also experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal. This is because when women start to go through menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to keep track of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor or specialist.
Women also benefit from discussing their concerns with colleagues and teachers to determine what accommodations they can make to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in receiving an assessment and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes that occur in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopausal.
Symptoms of ADHD can also affect relationships at work, school and social. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and be at risk for depression, substance abuse anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making critical decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide practical and financial support.
It is important to be aware that ADHD is a neurologic condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of laziness or low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and meet your goals. It's going to take a bit more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They might charge a fee, but you'll be assessed by a trained professional. They also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could provide funds to help with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to monitor the growth of your child's or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behavior, poor organisational skills and difficulties keeping track of things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. Changes in the behavior and thoughts you make can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with a Therapist. Other methods that some find helpful are eating a balanced diet, trying to stay clear of caffeine or sugar-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is crucial to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can join support groups in order to meet other women with the same condition and exchange experiences.
Women with ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment approach, like behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can boost mood and focus and eating a balanced and healthy diet is vital for overall health and wellbeing.
In our modern world women and girls with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. This can be due to the expectations of being a responsible parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This can add to the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the chance of other mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, many individuals who suffer from ADHD have co-existing mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These conditions can impact the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
More hints is that there's plenty of support available to women and girls with 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 useful information, events and support groups. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The doctor will be able to refer them to the appropriate service that could be a mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to note that due to the absence of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some individuals have difficulty getting assessed. This might be because their issues are believed to be caused by another issue, such as a mental health problem or addiction, instead of ADHD.
Also, it's important to note that ADHD can be considered to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. They are entitled to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
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