ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can also hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of insecurity. It's crucial to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you behave or what kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. There are also adhd in women adults with paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping.
It's important to note that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and during menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be interpreted as signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's "female qualities."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to receive the assistance and support you require. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also crucial to talk to your doctor about any other issues you may have like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To be diagnosed with ADHD You must meet certain criteria. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It is also important to have had these symptoms before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask to talk to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can look over.
In some cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They may decide to rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, despite the fact that it is more common among males and females. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be required by society to take care of their children, play different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the right dosage.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating the plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully it is changing. There are adult adhd in women for women suffering from ADHD, and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and utilizes real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provide information that can be shared with a physician.
The test requires a person to answer 18 questions that are broken down by the four core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and two other symptom areas. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often find that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at school and at work and help them understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.