ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria can play a part in.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well, such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. But they can still hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to do with do with your behavior or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, be in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless all the time or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are observed. For instance women with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can take to get the support and help you need. It's best to begin with your primary physician who can refer 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 strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up as a means of coping. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD might 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 crucial to have an history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two different settings, such as at home or at work. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will use their findings to write a report for you.
In certain cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They may exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent among males and females. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be required 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 who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication management.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation A combination of treatment options might be appropriate for you. adult adhd symptoms women will consider your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming the treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also factor in the effects of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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 the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at school and at work and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.