ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well like spouses or siblings to evaluate their symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. But they can still interfere with relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It is important to remember, however, that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
These differences can be frustrating however there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and may include medications such as stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any underlying conditions you might have, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
You must meet certain criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It's also important to have a history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. adult add in women is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two environments such as working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You may be required to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your history and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to speak with people who know you, like close family members and friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create an evaluation report that you can go through.
In some cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They may decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are seeking a physician who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, even though it is more prevalent among males and boys. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms can 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 take care of their children, play various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations and also medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. 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). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully it is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms for women and provides 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 reflects the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition. adhd in women adult should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment find that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and allow them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.