ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could play a part in.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well, such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess their symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can interfere with relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating, and can cause feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with do with your behavior or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. In addition, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's "female traits."
While adhd symptoms for women can be a source of frustration, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's best to start 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 methods. You can also talk to an expert in career counseling or join an online support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any underlying conditions you might have like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To be diagnosed with 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 crucial to have the history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12 years old. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two different settings like at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too like an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, such as close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce the report you will be able to read.
In some instances an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. They could rule out the condition, when you have other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are seeking a physician who can assess you for ADHD. They may recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or check with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in boys and men but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be required by society to take care of their children, play various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and also 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 medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a physician to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. When determining an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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. add in adult women are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it cannot replace 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 life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success at the workplace and in school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.