ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them like spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems 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 differ among individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, be in trouble at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. In addition, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems.
It's important to note, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal changes. For navigate here , women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping methods. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any medical issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to hide them to cope. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD might 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's also crucial to have a history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings like work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You will likely be required to take psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create a report that you can look over.
In some cases an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a significant number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be expected to look after their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments 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 can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be appropriate for you. When determining a treatment plan, your doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and whether there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully it is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms for 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 the answers you provide. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to note that it is not a substitute for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at the workplace and in school, and help them understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support system or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.