Blogs
on December 8, 2024
ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in women and girls. This is a huge cost to both the individual and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to recognize because they appear differently than the men's. This is also exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard in telling their healthcare providers that they are suffering from the condition. They might be embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take the issue seriously. Women may find it difficult to find treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts them as they grow older.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include issues with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not completing tasks, being easily distracted, or not remembering the words spoken during conversations.
Women may also find it hard to control their emotions and impulses, making them more prone to explode in anger, become excessively emotional, and have trouble with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with math and spelling skills. They might be unable to maintain a consistent routine of exercise or make healthy choices for their diet.
It is also more difficult to identify ADHD symptoms in women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes regarding sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially at school, where they often get misdiagnosed for anxiety or depression.
Many women who suffer from ADHD are also experiencing worsening undiagnosed adhd in adult women symptoms during menopausal periods and perimenopausal. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopausal symptoms, their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women to monitor their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or a specialist.
It can also be helpful for women to discuss their problems with coworkers or teachers to discover what accommodations they might be able to ask for to improve their performance at work or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable speaking to their professor or boss, some do so with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, or diagnose you using the criteria established 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 can be more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognise the manner in which ADHD manifests in females. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD can become worse at different times in a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. This includes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal (the period leading up to menopausal) and menopausal symptoms itself.
The signs of ADHD can also impact relationships as well as school and work. Adults may have difficulty maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of depression, substance abuse, anxiety and low self-esteem. It could also cause difficulties with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, speak with your employer. There are ways to help, like providing you with more breaks or allowing you to work at home on occasion. You can also ask about support services such as Access to Work, which can offer practical and financial support.
It's also important to keep in mind that ADHD is a neurological condition and your symptoms aren't caused by being insecure or lacking self-esteem. You can still be successful and meet your goals. It's just going to take some more effort and planning.
If you're a woman with ADHD You will find more information on the NHS website. You can also contact an organization that is private and offers adhd in men and women assessments. They may charge an amount however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They also provide advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking solutions to workplace issues. If you're employed, they can advise on whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance and Access to Work. This could provide funds to assist with things like special equipment or modifications in the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women with ADHD can be prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. The drugs used include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. However, it is important to discuss 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 make sure the medication is working properly.
Adults with ADHD frequently exhibit signs of carelessness, poor organisation, impulsive behavior, and difficulty in staying focused or recollecting information. Symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events such as hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people suffering from mild adhd in women [click this site], behavioural therapy can be a successful treatment. The ways you think and behave can improve your symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy eating plan, exercising regularly can be beneficial. It is important to consult your physician prior to making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Women and girls with ADHD need to seek help from family or friends as well as colleagues. They can also join a support group in order to meet other women who have the same disorder and share their experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a mix of treatment methods, such as therapy and medication. Organising their daily schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and physical exercise are vital to well-being and health.
Many women and girls with ADHD suffer from a high degree of stress and pressure in today's society. This can be due to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, managing a household and doing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD, and can increase the likelihood of mental health issues that are developing, like depression or anxiety.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD feel unappreciated. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a feeling of not being confident in themselves. The symptoms of adhd in adults women may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can affect the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help for girls and women who have ADHD. There are many online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website includes a section dedicated to girls and women, which includes useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an online forum where people can ask questions.
If an employee is experiencing severe difficulties with their ADHD or other ADHD-related issues, they should speak to their GP to discuss an assessment. The GP can recommend the employee to a treatment that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it is important to note that due to the lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some patients are unable to be admitted for an assessment. This could be because their problems are thought to be caused by another issue, such as mental health issues or addiction, not ADHD.
Also, it's worth noting that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it affects a person's job. They have the right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could include the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
Optima Health can help businesses create an internal culture that promotes wellness and helps their employees. We provide a variety of occupational health and wellbeing interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. Contact us today to find out more about our support for your business.
Be the first person to like this.