ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized 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 is also caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult in telling their health care providers that they are suffering from the condition. discover this may be shy to seek help, and they fear that their doctor won't take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as an adult.
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention or remaining focused, forgetfulness, being easily distracted and an impulsive nature. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, being distracted easily and forgetting what you said during an interaction.
Women may also have difficulties controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior, it's harder for women to recognize ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. As women begin to enter menopausal stage and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to ask for to enhance their performance at work or in school. Many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their professor or boss, but some have found success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and schools are willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to visit your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include a look at the symptoms you are experiencing, your history and any issues could have been caused by them.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men because many health professionals aren't aware of the ways ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in getting a diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may worsen depending on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. These include menstrual cycles, pregnancy (the period before menopausal), perimenopause, and menopause.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. Adults may have difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs and be at risk for substance abuse, depression anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties with managing finances making decisions, and managing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're struggling to concentrate or paying close attention at work. You may be able 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 offer practical and financial assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't due to being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It might just take 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 tests. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They can provide advice and guidance about the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can offer money to help with things like specialised equipment or adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to receive medication 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 before starting treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to track the progress of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often show signs of carelessness, poor organization as well as impulsive behavior. They also have difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. The symptoms can change over time, and are often influenced by life events such as pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful treatment for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. By changing the way you behave and think, you can improve your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy through which you change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
CBT can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, with a therapist or in groups. Some people find that eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are beneficial. But it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek out support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a multi-faceted treatment method, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Organising their lives and keeping track deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your day-to-day life. Getting enough physical activity can boost mood and focus and eating a balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being.
In the modern world there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern society like being a good parent or partner as well as managing a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that mental health issues like depression or anxiety, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by others. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way symptoms are perceived and make it more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there is plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for women and girls with helpful information, events, and support groups. There are peer support meetings as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to get an assessment. The doctor can refer the patient to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like an in-home mental service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it is important to remember that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be assessed. This could be due to the fact that their issues are believed to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, instead of ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD significantly impacts their work 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 include an able-bodied working schedule or additional training and assistance at work.
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