ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in women and girls is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This is at a huge cost to both individuals and the economy.
The symptoms of females are more difficult to spot because they look different than those of men. This can be exacerbated also by hormonal changes like menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may feel embarrassed to ask for help, and they fear that their doctor won't take it seriously. Women may find it difficult to find health professionals who understand their condition and how it affects them as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are often marked by impulsivity, apathy and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD than men. Inattention-related symptoms include problems with planning, organisation forgetfulness, missing appointments, not completing tasks, getting distracted easily and not being able to remember what you said in a conversation.
Women may also struggle to control their emotions and impulses, which makes them more likely to shout in anger, become excessively emotional, and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty 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 of gender and behavior, it's harder for women to identify ADHD symptoms. Women with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD-related symptoms could be more difficult to identify as having the disorder, especially in schools, where they frequently are misdiagnosed as having anxiety or depression.
Additionally, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in perimenopause and menopause. This is due to the fact that as women begin to enter menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss the symptoms with their physician.
Women can also benefit by discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they can request to improve their performance in the workplace or at school. Many people suffering from ADHD do not feel comfortable speaking to their boss or professor however some have had success in doing this and discovering that their employers 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 a specialist or give you an diagnosis based on criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This could include looking at your symptoms over time, your medical history and any problems they've caused.
Women are often more difficult to diagnose than males because many healthcare professionals don't recognize the manner in which ADHD presents in females. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the symptoms of ADHD tend to worsen at different times in a woman's life, depending on the hormonal changes. These include pregnancy, menstruation (the menopausal cycle) as well as perimenopausal and menopause.
The symptoms of ADHD can also impact relationships at work, school and social. In adulthood, this can be a problem maintaining a job or in a relationship, as well as being at risk of abuse as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also create difficulties in managing finances, making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
If you're having difficulty focusing or focusing at work, speak to your employer. There are solutions, such as offering more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You might also want to inquire about support services, such as Access to Work which can provide both financial and practical assistance.
You should also remember that ADHD is a neurological condition. Your symptoms aren't caused by insecurity or lack of self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It's just going to take a little more effort and planning.
If you're a woman who suffers from ADHD You can learn more about it on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organization that provides ADHD tests. You could be charged for a fee, however you will be analyzed by a trained professional. They will also provide advice and assistance in claiming benefits, seeking solutions and dealing with workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for the Enhanced Disability Living Allowance or Access to Work. This can provide money to assist with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Women and girls with ADHD may be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. Medications used include stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is important to discuss the possible side effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular GP check-ups are also advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is effective.
Adults with ADHD typically show signs of carelessness, poor organization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty staying on task or recalling things. The symptoms can change as time passes and are frequently caused by life events like hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause.
For many people with ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a very effective treatment. Changing the way you think and behave can reduce the symptoms and boost confidence in yourself. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT), which is a kind of therapy for talking that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be done in a group or one-on-one with an therapy. Other methods that some find beneficial are following a balanced diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary food items, and doing plenty of exercise. It is important to consult your physician prior to 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 in order to meet women who suffer from similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment options including therapy and medication. Organising their schedules and keeping track of deadlines using planners is a great method to manage your daily life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and well-being.
In modern society women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of pressure and stress. These are often related to the expectations of being a responsible spouse or parent, running household chores and performing well at work. This can increase the challenges of coping with ADHD and may increase the likelihood of other mental health issues being developed, including anxiety or depression.
Support
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often feel misunderstood by people around them. They may display emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood swings, and low self-esteem. Symptoms of the condition can also become worse during times of hormonal change, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Additionally, undiagnosed adhd in women suffering from ADHD have co-existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can alter the way that symptoms manifest and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help for girls and women who have ADHD. This includes a variety of online resources, support groups and charities. The website ADHD UK has a specific page for girls and women that features useful information, events and support groups. There are peer support groups and an online forum where people can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD problems it is recommended that they contact their GP to get an assessment. The GP can send them to the most appropriate service which could be a local mental health clinic or a neurodevelopmental specialist. However, it's important to remember that due to the lack of awareness of the clinical needs and lengthy waiting times, some patients find it hard to be admitted for an assessment. This might be because their issues are believed to be due to another issue, like a mental health problem or addiction, not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if someone's ADHD affects their work in a significant way and performance, it could be deemed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible working schedule, additional training or support at work.
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