ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 Gender bias and outdated criteria may play a part in.
Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember, however, that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ among individuals but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. adhd in women symptoms who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopausal. Additionally, certain social attitudes regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can follow to get the support and help you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and may include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women with 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 is also important to have experienced these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too for example, the behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your past experiences and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In some instances an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and they don't interfere with daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent among boys and men. It is harder for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social expectations. They could 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 impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the correct dose.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with anxiety and depression, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. When creating a treatment plan, your doctor will take into account factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. see it here will allow them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of 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. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. This also means women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help identify women's most prevalent 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 to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.