ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them, such as spouses or siblings to look into the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated all the time. adhd in adults women experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as during menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration There are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary physician who can refer to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medications like stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to cope. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who have ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To be diagnosed with 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 is also crucial to have had these symptoms before you turned 12. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two different settings such as working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also talk with people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to look over.
In some instances an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They could rule out the condition, if you suffer from 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 evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first option 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). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the appropriate dosage.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can aid. Techniques for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and should there be any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. add adult women can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for an assessment 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 improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.