ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to look into the the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very 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 do with your actions or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals however the most frequent are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to know that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or go through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating but there are ways to get the help and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join a support group.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any other conditions you might have like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up as a means of coping. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 is also important to have had these symptoms before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You must also have physical examinations to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests as well, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write a report for you.
In some cases the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. They might decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They can recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the correct dosage is being used.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can help. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When developing an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, and if there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in related web site can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides information that can be shared 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 reveals the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support system or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.