ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. The gender bias and outdated criteria can play a part in.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to be related to your behavior or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated all the time. adhd symptoms in women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as during menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counselor or join a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to talk to your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to mask them as a means of coping. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must meet certain requirements. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It's also crucial to have an history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings such as work or home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You could also be asked to take psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to write the report you need.
In some cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also affects a large number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be required by society to look after their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the correct dosage.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. When creating a treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides information that can be shared with a doctor.
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. Scores are calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it's not a replacement for the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success at work and school and help them to learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. You can achieve this by joining a support group or finding a coach with experience working with women.