Ten Stereotypes About ADHD In Women UK That Aren't Always True
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD in girls and women is still under-diagnosed, according to charity, ADHD UK. This comes at a significant cost to the individual and the economy.
Symptoms can be more difficult to identify in females since they manifest differently to males. This can be further aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have trouble telling their doctors that they are experiencing symptoms. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, and may be worried that their doctor will not take it seriously. Women who suffer from breast cancer may have trouble finding treatment providers who understand their condition and how it impacts their lives as an adult.
Adults with ADHD are typically characterized by impulsivity, forgetfulness and a lack of focus. Women are more likely to have the inattentive kind of ADHD than men. Inattentive symptoms can include problems with organisation and planning and forgetfulness, or even missing appointments, not finishing tasks, being easily distracted or forgetting what was said during conversations.
Women may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. They can be more prone to anger-related outbursts and emotional meltdowns and have issues with social relationships. They may have difficulty with math or spelling. They may also have difficulty maintaining consistent exercise habits or making healthy choices for their diet.
It's also more difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms for women than in men because of gender-based stereotypes about sexuality and behavior. Women who exhibit hyperactivity or impulsive ADHD-linked symptoms may have a harder time being recognized as having the disorder, particularly at school, where they can are misdiagnosed as having depression or anxiety.
In addition, many women with ADHD have worsening symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal cycles. This is because when women start to go through menopause their bodies naturally produce less estrogen, which can cause an increase in the symptoms. Therefore, it is essential for women to be aware of their symptoms and discuss these with their doctor or specialist.
Women can also benefit from discussing their symptoms with their co-workers and teachers to find out what accommodations they could ask for to boost their performance in the workplace or at school. While many people with ADHD aren't comfortable talking about it with their boss or professor they have ADHD, some do it with success and find their workplaces and schools are more than willing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Diagnosis
It's important that you see your GP if you suspect you have ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or give you a diagnosis based on the guidelines set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). This includes a look at your symptoms, your history as well as any problems they might have caused.
Women can be more difficult to diagnose than males as a lot of healthcare professionals don't recognize the way ADHD presents in females. This can lead to delays in obtaining diagnosed and receiving treatment. The symptoms of ADHD may get worse based on the hormonal changes in the body of a woman at various stages of her life. This includes menstruation, pregnancy (the period before menopausal) menopausal, perimenopausal, and menopause.
attention deficit disorder in women can also affect work, school, and relationships. Adults might have trouble maintaining a job or relationship and are at risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also lead to difficulties in managing finances, making important decisions, and balancing a variety of priorities.
Speak to your employer if you are having trouble concentrating or focusing at work. There may be solutions, such as offering more breaks or permitting you to work from home occasionally. You can also inquire about support services like Access to Work which can provide both practical and financial assistance.
It's also worth remembering that ADHD is a neurological condition, so your symptoms aren't caused by being unmotivated or having low self-esteem. You can still meet your goals and succeed. It may just require a little more planning and effort.
Find out more about ADHD in women on the NHS website. You can also reach out to a private organisation that offers ADHD assessments. You may be charged a fee however you will be analyzed by a qualified professional. They can provide assistance and advice on the benefits you're entitled to, how to access solutions to workplace issues. If you're working and have a disability, they can tell you whether you're eligible for Enhanced Disability Living Allowance as well as Access to Work. This could help you pay for things like specialized equipment and modifications at the workplace.
Treatment
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication to treat their symptoms. adhd traits in women used could be stimulants or non-stimulants. It is important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP prior to starting treatment. Regular check-ups with your GP are recommended to keep track of your child's progress and make sure the medication is working well.
Some of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD for adults include carelessness, difficulty finishing tasks, impulsive behaviour, poor organisational skills and difficulties staying on task or remembering things. The symptoms can change over time and are often influenced by life events such as menopausal, pregnancy, and hormone changes.
For many people suffering from ADHD, behavioural therapy may be a successful treatment. The way you think and behave can help reduce your symptoms and boost self-esteem. Girls and women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that helps you change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour.
CBT can be carried out in a group setting or one-on-one with a therapy. Some people are able to benefit from eating a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are also helpful. It is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Girls and women with ADHD should seek out support from family, friends, and colleagues. They can also join support groups to connect with other women with the same problem and share experiences.
Women with ADHD may also benefit from a mixture of treatment options, such as medication and behavioural therapy. The process of organizing their schedules and keeping track of deadlines with the help of planners is a great way to manage your day-to-day life. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise are vital to health and wellbeing.
In modern society, many women and girls with ADHD are under a lot of stress and pressure. These are often related to the expectations of being a loving parent or partner, running household duties and performing well at work. This can make it more difficult to deal with ADHD and increase the likelihood that other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could develop.
Support
Girls and women with ADHD feel not understood. They may exhibit emotional symptoms such as irritability and mood fluctuations, as well as a lack in self-esteem. The symptoms of the disorder may also worsen when there are hormonal changes, like menstrual or pregnancy. Many people with ADHD also suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact the way their symptoms appear and make it harder to manage.
The good news is that there's plenty of help available to women and girls with ADHD. There are a variety of online support groups, resources, and charities. ADHD UK's website features an entire page devoted to girls and women with useful information and events. There are peer support groups as well as an area for people to ask questions.
If an employee has significant ADHD issues, they should contact their GP to have an assessment. The GP may refer the employee to a service that is the most appropriate, like a community mental service or a neurodevelopment specialist service. It is important to note that some individuals find it difficult to be referred to an assessment due to a lack of clinical awareness or long waiting times. It may be that their problems are due to a different issue, like a addiction or mental illness and not ADHD.
It's also worth noting that if an individual's ADHD has a significant impact on their work or work, it may be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they have an legal right to request reasonable adjustments from their employer. This could be a flexible schedule or additional support and training at work.
At Optima Health, we can assist businesses in creating an environment of wellbeing and assistance for their employees. We provide a variety of wellbeing and occupational health interventions including e-learning modules, mindfulness workshops and coaching programs. If you'd like to learn more about how we can assist your company, contact us now.