ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not diagnosed in women and girls. This comes at a significant cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot because they look different than those of males. This is also worsened by hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help and fear that their doctor won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding treatment providers that understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to be affected by the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention symptoms include issues with planning, organisation, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you spoke about during the course of a conversation.
Women may also have trouble controlling their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become overly emotional, and struggle with social relationships. They may have difficulty with spelling or math. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms in women than it is for men due to gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms might have a harder time being diagnosed, particularly at school where they're often misdiagnosed as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally that, many women suffering from ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. As women begin to enter menopausal and produce less estrogen. This can worsen symptoms. It is therefore particularly important for women to be aware of their symptoms and talk about them with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit from discussing their concerns with co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance at work or at school. Many people with ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however some have had success in doing so and discovering that their workplaces and schools are happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to see your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your past medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of health professionals aren't aware of the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can result in delays in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse at different times during women's lives, based on the hormonal changes. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the run-up before menopause) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
ADHD symptoms can also affect school, work, and relationships. In adulthood, this can mean having trouble with keeping a job or being in a relationship, as well as being at risk of substance abuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also cause challenges in managing finances, making decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Talk to your employer if you're having trouble concentrating or focusing at work. You might be able to get help by taking more breaks or working from home at times. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't due to being lazy or having low self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and meet your goals. It's going to require some more planning and effort.
If you're a woman suffering from ADHD You can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact private organizations which offer ADHD assessments. You could be charged a fee but you will be assessed by a trained professional. They can offer assistance and advice on claiming benefits, finding solutions to workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if you are employed. This could help you pay for things like specialised equipment and adaptations at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are able to receive medication to treat their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular visits to your GP are recommended to track the development of your child or yourself, and to ensure that the medication is working.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and difficulties staying focused or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events such as menopausal or pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
Behavioral therapy is a successful treatment for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Changing the way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost your self-esteem. Women and girls who have 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 thought and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people discover that eating a balanced eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. But it is important to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can join support groups to meet women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a combination treatment strategy, such as medication and behavioral therapy. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful in managing their day-today lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.
In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These can be attributed to the pressures of modern-day society like being a good parent or partner, managing a household and performing well at work. adhd women uk can increase the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and increase the likelihood of mental health issues developing, such as anxiety or depression.
Support
Women and girls with ADHD feel misunderstood. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of ADHD can also become worse during times of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way in which their symptoms manifest and can be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of support available for girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. ADHD UK's website has a page dedicated to girls and women and includes helpful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing significant difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can refer them to the appropriate service that could be a local mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental service. It is important to remember that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties may be due to another issue, such as addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that ADHD could be regarded as a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could mean an adjustable schedule or additional support and training at work.
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