ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them such as spouses or siblings to assess symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can impact relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to remember, however, that these difficulties do not come from you and have nothing to do with your behavior or personality.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ between individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women experience emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For add in adult women , women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female qualities."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to get the support and help you require. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping strategies. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Women also may struggle to be 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 is also essential to have a an history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You must also have a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, too like the behavior rating scale. add symptoms in women might ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In some cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't hinder your daily activities. They could rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate you 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 company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD may also feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They may be expected by society to care for their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. 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). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on males and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. For example, hormone fluctuations 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 for screening for adult ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on with a physician.
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 and can be completed online. It is important to note that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.