ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient -- like spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can still affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these difficulties do not come from you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be interpreted as signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps that you can follow to get the assistance and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. add in women test might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 an history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could be required to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce a report that you can read.
In certain instances the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for a referral. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to get treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be required by society to care for their children, play various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being taken.
There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can be helpful. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. When determining an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, as well as if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. adhd in women signs will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits, such as eating too much. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow 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 locating an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.