ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. adhd symptoms in adult women results in a significant cost to both the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females because they present differently than men. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes like menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they're experiencing symptoms. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take the condition seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults with ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more prone to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning as well as being forgetful or unable to remember appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted or not remembering what was said in conversations.
Women can also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be more prone to anger-related outbursts, be emotionally overly emotional and have problems with social interactions. They may struggle with spelling or math. They may also have trouble keeping up with their exercise routines or making healthy choices for their diet.
Due to gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior, it's more difficult for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might be more difficult to be diagnosed, especially at school where they are often misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during menopausal or perimenopausal periods. This is due to the fact that as women start to go through menopausal changes, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to monitor their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or specialist.
It can also be beneficial for women to talk about their issues with colleagues or teachers to find out what accommodations they might be able to request to improve their performance at work or in school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their professor or boss however, some have found 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 is a must to see your GP. attention deficit in women may refer you to an expert, or determine if you have ADHD using the criteria set forth by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any issues they may have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than men because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can result in 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 during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. In adulthood, this may result in having difficulty maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges with managing finances, making decisions and having to manage multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or focusing on work. You might be able to receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home at times. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a neurological issue and your symptoms aren't a result of being lazy or having low self-esteem. You can still succeed and achieve your goals. It may just 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 organizations that provide ADHD assessments. They may charge fees however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions and dealing with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This can assist in paying for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD are prescribed medication to treat 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 visits to your GP are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself and make sure that the medication is working.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are inattention, difficulty completing tasks, impulsive behavior poor organizational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. Symptoms can change with time and are usually influenced by life events, like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for many people with ADHD. The way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT), which is a form of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-on-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following an wholesome diet, attempting to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician prior to making any changes in your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD need to seek help from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join support groups to meet women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as behavioral therapy and medication. Making use of tools for organization, such as planners are helpful in managing their day-today lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. Getting enough physical activity can improve concentration and mood and eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Many girls and women with ADHD have a lot of stress and pressure in modern society. These are often due to the pressures of modern life like being a good partner or parent or managing a household, as well as being productive at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the chance that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual or pregnancy. Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other mental health issues, such as 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's plenty of support available to girls and women with ADHD. There are many online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to women and girls, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support meetings as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD difficulties and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP for an assessment. The GP can refer the employee to a service that's most appropriate, such as a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopmental specialist. It's important to remember that some people find it difficult to be assessed due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting periods. This could be due to the fact that their challenges are thought to be due to another issue, like mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean a flexible working schedule, or additional training and support at work.
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