ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a part in.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of insecurity. It's crucial to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you act or what kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between individuals however the most frequent are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Additionally, certain social beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's "female qualities."
Although these issues can be frustrating but there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and create more effective strategies for coping. You can also consult with a career counselor or join an online support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and can include medications such as stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any underlying conditions you might have like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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's also important to have a history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two environments, such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, too like the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create a report for you.
In some instances, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They could exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common in boys and men, it also has a significant impact on women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They might be required by society to care for their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. adhd in women adults can be a challenge for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When determining a treatment plan your doctor will consider factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, as well as should there be any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will help them determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies like eating too much. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided to 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 reveals the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. adult add women is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success in school and at work, and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. You can achieve this by joining a support group or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.