ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you act or what kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary from person to person, but the most common are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women experience emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a sign of "female characteristics."
These issues can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to the treatment for men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It's also crucial to talk to your doctor about any other issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD might 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 essential to have had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two settings like working or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to write a report for you.
In certain cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can test you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a large number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, juggle many tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the right dosage.
There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination treatment. When determining an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. adhd symptoms in adult women , like can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps identify the most common ADHD symptoms for 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. signs and symptoms of adhd in women is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at the workplace and in school, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.