ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or family members to look into the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. But they can still interfere with relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious constantly or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. Additionally, many women experience emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness may be considered "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. 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 coach or joining a support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to the treatment for men, and can include medications such as stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety, 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 with ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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 is also essential to have had these symptoms before you turned 12. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by the symptoms in two environments such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. adult add in women may also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, like close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare a report for you.
In certain cases, an evaluator may decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though slight or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. adult add in women may be expected by society to take care of their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those 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 treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the appropriate dosage.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When determining the treatment plan the 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, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the correct type and dosage medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. adult adhd in women can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms in 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. 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.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success in school and at work and help them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.