ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can affect relationships as well as 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 lead to feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you act or what kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ from person to person but the most typical are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may 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 difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor 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 can include medications like stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed with ADHD. 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 the history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two different settings like at home or at work. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You will likely be required to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator will look at your past and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, like close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can read.
In This Webpage might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
If you want to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females, it also affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
adhd in women adult suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be required by society to care for their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations 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 drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the correct dose.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It helps determine the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provide 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically experience a change in their lives that improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.