ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized in girls and women. signs of add in adult women comes at a significant cost to individuals and the economy.
These symptoms are more difficult to identify for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. This is exacerbated by hormonal changes like the menstrual period and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard time telling their healthcare providers that they suffer from symptoms of the condition. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their healthcare provider won't take them seriously. Women also face difficulties finding a doctor who understands the condition and how it affects women as they age.
Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more susceptible to the inattention-deficit form of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties in planning, organisation and forgetfulness, or having missed appointments, not being able to complete tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you spoke about during a conversation.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be prone to anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social interactions. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have trouble adhering to a consistent exercise routine or making healthy food choices.
It's also harder to spot ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about gender and behavior. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may have a harder time being diagnosed, especially at school, where they are often mistakenly identified as suffering from depression or anxiety.
Additionally to that, many women with ADHD experience worsening symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. This is because when women begin to enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss 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. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their schools and workplaces are more than willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD is a must to consult your GP. Your doctor may refer you to an expert or provide you with an assessment based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes looking at your symptoms over time, your history and any problems they've caused.
Many healthcare professionals do not recognise how ADHD manifests in women. This can result in delays in getting diagnosed and receiving treatment. In addition, the signs of ADHD tend to worsen at different times during a woman's life, depending on hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation, perimenopause (the period leading up to menopausal), and the menopause itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact school, work, and relationships. In adulthood, this may be a problem maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of misuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also cause difficulties in managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing many priorities.
If you have difficulty concentrating or focusing at work, speak with your employer. You may be able receive help by taking longer breaks or working from home for a few hours. You can also ask about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical assistance.
You should also be aware that ADHD is a neurological condition. The symptoms you experience are not the result of insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You are still able to succeed and achieve your goals. It's just going to take a bit more planning and effort.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to an organization that is private and offers ADHD tests. They may charge a fee however, you'll be inspected by a trained professional. They can also offer advice and guidance on claiming benefits, seeking treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also advise you whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work if you're employed. This can assist in paying for things like special equipment and adaptations in the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to help manage their symptoms. The medications prescribed can be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is essential to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular GP visits are recommended to check the progress of your child or yourself and ensure that the medication is effective.
The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors, poor organisational skills and trouble staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms may change over time and are often affected by life events like pregnancy, menopause, and hormone changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy can be an effective treatment. By changing how you behave and think, you can lessen your symptoms and improve your self-esteem. Women and girls who have ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that helps to change the negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be conducted in a group or one-on-one with a therapist. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to avoid sugary or caffeine-rich food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is essential to talk with your doctor before making any changes in your diet or taking any supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD need to seek help from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to meet other women who suffer from the same problem and share experiences.
Women suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from a mix of treatment methods, such as treatment with medication and behavioural therapy. Using organisation tools like planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and keeping track of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical exercise are essential for health and wellbeing.
In the modern world women and girls with ADHD are being put under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, managing household chores and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD and increase the risk that other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, will develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They might exhibit emotional symptoms like irritability and mood swings, as well as an inability to feel confident about themselves. The symptoms of the condition can also get worse when there are hormonal changes, for example menstrual or pregnancy. In addition, many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. These can impact the way in which their symptoms present and be more difficult to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to girls and women suffering from ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women with important information, events and support groups. There are peer support meetings and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP for an assessment. The doctor can refer the employee to a treatment that is most appropriate, such as a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. However, it's important to note that due to a lack of awareness about clinical issues and long waiting times, some people are unable to be admitted for an assessment. It could be that their difficulties are due to a different issue, such as addiction or mental illness, and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD affects their work in a significant way, it can be considered as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. They have a right to reasonable accommodations from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or assistance at work.
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