ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can play a part in.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different times. For adhd symptoms in women adults during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. They can still affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's crucial to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you act or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy or going through menopausal. In addition, societal attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps you can take to get the support and help you require. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to hide them as a means of coping. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who have ADHD may be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 essential to have a the history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two environments like at home or at work. 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 undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write a report for you.
In some cases the evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and they don't hinder your daily activities. They could decide to rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for a referral. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, juggle many tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can aid. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided to 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 that reflects the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.