ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who are familiar with the patient -- like spouses, siblings or friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships as well as work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's crucial to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you act or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. In addition, societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female traits."
While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD are also benefited by improving their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medications such as stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any other conditions you might have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to cover them up to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To be diagnosed with related internet page 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 a history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two environments such as working or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The evaluator will look at your past and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask to talk to people who know you well, 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 might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
If you want to find an expert to test you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, despite the fact that it is more common among boys and men. It is harder for women to seek treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able appointments or being unable work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They may be expected by society to care for their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the correct dosage.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. adhd in women adult are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatments may be best for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle and symptom intensity when developing an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this 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 cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women and provide 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for the complete assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their quality of life improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be achieved by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.