ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may play a role.
Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They can still affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of insecurity. It's important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble with paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious all the time. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be misinterpreted as signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration There are ways to receive the help and support you require. adult add in women 's always a good idea to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They could benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD may be incorrectly identified 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 is also essential to have experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also talk with people who know you well, including family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to write a report that you can look over.
In some instances an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you're looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys, it also affects a large number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be required by society to look after their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is crucial for women with these symptoms to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be best for you. When determining an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you might have, and should there be any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can impact the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women and provide 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 will be calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for an evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.