ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well, such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different times. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It is important to remember that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary among individuals but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. There are also issues with paying attention or finishing tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious constantly. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization might be seen as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of 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 important to have an history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two settings such as working or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, like family and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare a report for you.
In some cases the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and they don't interfere with daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If add symptoms in women looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert 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 recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it affects a large number of women. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment because 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 who suffer from ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and also medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are usually 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, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered.
There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. When creating a treatment plan, your doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. Recommended Browsing will also take into account the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as eating too much. Symptoms can also vary during different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women and 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for an evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and at school, and allow them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.