ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not being diagnosed in women and girls. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
Females' symptoms are more difficult to identify due to the fact that they look different from the men's. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have a difficult in telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may be embarrassed to ask for help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take the condition seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults with ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy, and difficulty staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them prone to lash out in anger, become wildly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may struggle with handwriting or with spelling and math. They might also have difficulty to maintain consistent exercise habits or make healthy choices for their diet.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. As women enter menopausal they produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Women should pay attention to their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to discover what accommodations they may be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss however some have had 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, it's important to see your GP. Your doctor can refer to an expert, or diagnose you using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any issues they may have caused.
Many healthcare professionals fail to recognize the ways in which ADHD manifests in women. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at various times throughout women's lives, based on hormonal changes. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this can result in having difficulty keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of misuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances as well as making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak to your employer. You may be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still achieve your goals and succeed. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD tests. You could be charged a fee however you will be analyzed by a professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, locating solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're employed and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can assist in paying for things like special equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD might be prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is crucial to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour poor organisational skills, and trouble keeping track of things. The symptoms may change over time and are often influenced by life events like menopausal or pregnancy-related hormone changes.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. adhd in adult women and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one with the help of a therapist. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich foods and getting plenty of exercise. It is crucial to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is important for girls and women with ADHD to receive assistance from their families, colleagues and friends. They can also join an online support group to connect with other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment approach, like treatment with medication and behavioral therapy. The process of organizing their lives and keeping track deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are important for well-being and health.
In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running household duties and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the likelihood that mental health issues like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They might exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. In addition, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way that their symptoms manifest and can make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help for women and girls who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls and includes helpful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant ADHD issues it is recommended that they contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP will be able to send them to the appropriate service which could be a mental health facility or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it is important to remember that due to a lack of clinical awareness and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be assessed. It could be that their issues may be due to another issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if a person's ADHD affects their work in a significant way or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
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