ADHD in Women and Girls
According to the charity ADHD UK, ADHD is still not recognized for girls and women. This results in a significant cost to both the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to recognize for females due to the fact that they appear differently from males. This can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have a hard to tell their medical professionals that they are suffering from the condition. They may be embarrassed by asking for help and fear that their health care provider will not take it seriously. Some women have difficulty finding treatment providers who understand the condition and how it affects them as a woman of adulthood.
Adults with ADHD are typically identified with impulsivity, forgetfulness and a difficult time staying focused. Women are more likely to suffer from the inattention type of ADHD. Inattentive symptoms include difficulties with organisation, planning, forgetfulness or missing appointments, not completing tasks, becoming easily distracted and forgetting what you said in an interaction.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They may be prone to anger outbursts, become overly emotional and have problems with social relationships. They may have poor handwriting or struggle with spelling and math. They may also find it difficult to keep up with their exercise routine or make healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men due to gender-based stereotypes about sex and behaviour. Women with hyperactive or impulse-driven ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to be diagnosed, particularly at school, where they are often mistakenly diagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
Additionally, many women with ADHD suffer from worsening symptoms during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because as women enter menopausal symptoms their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can worsen the symptoms. Women should be aware of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor.
It is also beneficial for women to discuss their symptoms with co-workers or teachers to find out what accommodations they may be able to request to enhance their performance at work or in school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable telling their professor or boss about their issues however, some do it with ease and find that their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It is essential to see your GP when you suspect that you may have ADHD. Your doctor may refer you to an expert, or diagnose you based on the criteria established by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your medical history and any issues they might have caused.
Women are more difficult to diagnose than males, as many healthcare professionals don't recognize the ways ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in getting diagnosed and receiving 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 menopausal transition) and the menopausal phase itself.
ADHD symptoms can also impact the work environment, school and relationships. As adults, this could mean having trouble with keeping a job, or being in a relationship, and being at risk of substance misuse depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It could also cause problems with managing finances, making crucial decisions and balancing multiple priorities.
Contact your employer if having difficulty focusing or focusing on work. There are ways to help, like giving you more breaks or the option of working from home on occasion. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work, which can provide financial and practical support.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological disorder and your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still reach your goals and be successful. It may just require a little more effort and planning.
You can learn more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also contact a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. There is a possibility of for a fee, but you will be assessed by a professional. They will also provide assistance and advice on how to claim benefits, locating treatment and coping with workplace issues. They can also help you determine whether you're eligible to receive the Enhanced Disabled Living Allowance or Access to Work if employed. This could provide funds to help with things like specific equipment or adaptations for the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. adhd women uk used include stimulants and non-stimulants, but it is essential to discuss the potential side effects with your GP prior to beginning treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are advised to track your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults is carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviors poor organizational skills and difficulty keeping track of things. The symptoms can alter as time passes and are frequently affected by life events, such as hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for many people with ADHD. By changing the way you act and think, you can improve your symptoms as well as improve your self-esteem. Girls and women with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) which is a kind of therapy through which to change the negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in one-to-one sessions with a therapist or in a group. Other therapies that many find beneficial are following a healthy diet, trying to stay away from caffeine-rich or sugary foods, and putting in plenty of exercise. However, it is essential to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD should seek support from family and friends, as well as colleagues. They can join support groups to connect with other women with similar conditions and share experiences.
Women with ADHD can also benefit from a combination of treatment options like therapy and medication. Utilizing tools for organisation such as planners can be helpful in managing their day-to-day lives and ensuring they are aware of deadlines. A balanced diet and physical activity are important for health and well-being.
In modern society there are many girls and women who with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. This can be due to the pressures of modern life including being a good partner or parent as well as managing a household and doing well at work. This makes it more difficult to cope with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD often feel that they are misunderstood by other people. They may experience emotional symptoms like anger, mood swings, and a low self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder can also worsen during periods of hormonal change like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These can impact the way their symptoms present and make it more difficult to manage.
There is plenty of help available for girls and women who suffer from ADHD. There are numerous online resources, support groups, and charities. ADHD UK's website has an entire page devoted to girls and women with useful information and events. This includes peer support groups and a forum where users can ask questions.
If a person is suffering from significant ADHD issues and is experiencing significant difficulties with ADHD, they should consult their GP to have an assessment. The GP may refer the patient to a service that is the most appropriate, like a mental health service in the community or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be admitted to an assessment because of a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. This might be because their problems are thought to be caused by a different issue, like a mental health problem or an addiction, rather than ADHD.
It's also important to note that ADHD is to be a "disability" under the Equality Act 2010 if it significantly impacts a person's work. This means that they have a legal right to reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be the ability to work from home or support and training at work.
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