ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is not yet diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognise in females because they present differently from men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their medical professionals that they have symptoms of the condition. They might be shy to seek help, and are afraid that their doctor won't be able to take the issue seriously. Some women have difficulty finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD for adults include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, forgetfulness, easily distracted and impulsivity. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with planning and organisation and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, becoming easily distracted or forgetting what was said in conversations.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They might be unable to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy food choices.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sex and behaviour. Women who are hyperactive or have impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a difficult time getting identified, especially at school, where they are often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is because when women enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their issues with colleagues or teachers to learn what accommodations they might be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. While many people suffering from ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues they have ADHD, some do it with ease and find that their schools and workplaces are more than willing to offer reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you might have ADHD. Your doctor can refer to a specialist or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history as well as any problems they may have caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than men, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD manifests in females. treatment for adhd in women can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) as well as perimenopausal and menopausal.
ADHD symptoms can also impact work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining relationships or jobs, and are at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or focusing at work. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue, so your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still be successful and achieve your goals. It's just going to require a little more planning and effort.
You can find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact private companies which offer ADHD assessments. They might charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. They can also tell you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This could provide funds to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD are often prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. The drugs used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD for adults include inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organisational skills, and trouble staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be an effective treatment. Changing the ways you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talking therapy that helps you to alter negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-to-one sessions with a therapist, or in groups. Some people discover that eating a balanced well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women with the same disorder and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a mix treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. Engaging in regular physical activity can improve the mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.
Many women and girls with ADHD experience a high level of stress and pressure in today's society. These are often related to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, running household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD, and can increase the chance of mental health issues developing, such as depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also become worse when there are hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that the symptoms manifest and may be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of support available for girls and women with ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website features a section dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. This includes peer support meetings and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD and has a significant problem with their ADHD, they should contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to note that some people have difficulty being assessed because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also important to note that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have the legal right to make reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an able-bodied working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
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