ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women differ and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness 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 keeping relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like cutting or burning, or have trouble 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 typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or go through menopause. In addition, societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, 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 a support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to the treatment for men, and can include medications such as stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to hide them to cope. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 is also crucial to have experienced these symptoms before you turned 12 years old. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two environments like work or home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well for example, a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, such as close family members and friends. adhd in adults women will then use their findings to write a report for you.
In some instances, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though slight or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions which could trigger 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 recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is harder for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They may be expected to take care of their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations 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 drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken in the correct dosage.
There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation A combination of treatments may be appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing a treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen 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 which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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 that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment find that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.