ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a part in.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to look into the the symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can also hinder relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. adhd in adult women may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Additionally, many women experience emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's important to note that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or going through menopausal. In addition, societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be mistaken for signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female traits."
Although these issues can be frustrating but there are ways to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, 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 coach or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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's also important to have an history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months 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 may also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner will review your history and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to speak with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce a report that you can look over.
In some cases an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although mild or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
If you want to find an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for an appointment. They may recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in boys and men however, it has a significant impact on women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms undergo regular psychiatric assessments and also medication management.
Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the correct dosage is being taken.
There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When determining the treatment plan your doctor will consider aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout various stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women and uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among 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. 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 remember that it is not a substitute for a full assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often experience a change in their lives that increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work and help them to learn to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support network or finding a coach with experience working with women.