ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or character.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary from person to person but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You may also experience trouble with paying attention or finishing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. In addition, societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping methods. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD 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's also important to have a history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings, such as at home or at work. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to look over.
In some cases, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
If you want to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. However, it's often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD may also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They could be expected by society to take care of their children, play different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations 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 medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the right dosage.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can help. Techniques for managing stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be 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 treatments may be appropriate for you. When developing the treatment plan, your doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now see it here for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms may change at different stages of life. For adult female adhd symptoms , hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. Web Site was designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women. It also provides 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 shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often find that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in school and at work and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.