ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender bias and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various times. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of insecurity. 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 character.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopause. In addition, societal attitudes about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up as a means of coping. Women can also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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. More hints 's also crucial to have the history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12 years old. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two environments such as work or 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 determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator will look at your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to talk to people who know you well, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need.
In certain cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They could rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more common among boys and men. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be required by society to care for their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, like 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.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can aid. Stress management techniques, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. When creating an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are more aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women. It also provides information that can be shared 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 can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also important. You can do this by joining a support network or finding a coach with experience working with women.