ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a high cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize due to the fact that they look different from those of males. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may be shy to seek assistance, and they are worried that their doctor won't consider the issue seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or being late for appointments, not finishing tasks, being distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be susceptible to anger outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may struggle with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
Due to gender-based stereotypes of sexuality and behavior, it's difficult for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who are hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially in school, where they often are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening ADHD symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopause. This is because as women enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to talk about their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or at school. Many people who suffer from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however some have had success in doing so and discovering that their employers and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
adhd in adult women test
If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to visit your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an diagnosis based on criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This may include a review of your symptoms, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than men as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the way ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD can get worse depending on the hormonal changes occurring in the body of a woman during different stages of her life. This includes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also affect the work environment, school and relationships. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances as well as making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you are having difficulty focusing or focusing at work. You may be able get help by taking more breaks or working from home for a few hours. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
Also, be aware that ADHD is a neurologic disorder. The symptoms you experience are not caused by lack of motivation or self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It may just require some more effort and planning.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD assessments. They might charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a qualified professional. They can provide advice and assistance in applying for benefits, locating solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed in a workplace, they can help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This can offer money to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are able to receive medications to treat their symptoms. The medications used are stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is crucial to discuss the potential adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to monitor your or your child's progress and ensure that the medication is working well.
Adults suffering from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organisation as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopausal.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists in changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Other treatments that some people find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to receive support from their family, friends and colleagues. They can also join a support group to meet other women who have the same condition and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Using organisation tools such as planners can be beneficial in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and well-being.
In our modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are in a constant state of pressure and stress. This can be due to the pressures of being a loving parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD are often not understood. They may be afflicted by emotional issues like anger as well as mood swings and low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, many people with ADHD have co-existing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. adhd symptoms in women test can affect the way that the symptoms manifest and may make it more difficult to manage.
There is a lot of help for girls and women who have ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups and charitable organizations. ADHD UK's website includes a page dedicated to women and girls with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD, they can contact their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP will be able to direct them to the most appropriate service which could be a community mental health clinic or a specialist neurodevelopmental service. However, it's important to be aware that due to a lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients are unable to be referred for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like mental health issues or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also important to note that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
At Optima Health, we can help businesses to create an internal culture of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellness interventions such as e-learning, coaching programmes and mindfulness workshops. If you'd like to find out more about how we can assist your company, contact us now.