ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well like spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate their symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. But they can still hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of despair. It's important to remember that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and becoming constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like cutting or burning, or have trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as during menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping methods. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any medical conditions you might have, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To be diagnosed with adhd symptoms in women , 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 crucial to have had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings, such as work or home. In addition the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You'll likely take psychological tests, too like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, such as family members and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can read.
In certain cases an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although minor or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They may rule out the condition, when you have other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for an expert to test you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also call 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 members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a large number of women. However, it's often more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. try here might be expected to take care of their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the right dosage.
There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. When determining an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often overlooked. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully it is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as eating too much. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. The tool has been designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provide information that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which reveals 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 the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and at school, and allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.