ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria may play a part in.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them such as spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with the way you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary among individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior could affect whether a person's symptoms are noticed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can follow to get the support and help 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 evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counselor or join an online support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications such as stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to hide them as a means of coping. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
You must meet certain criteria 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 other requirement is that you have major problems caused by the symptoms in two environments, such as at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You could also be asked to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, including close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to write the report you need.
In some cases, an evaluator may decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They could exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it affects a large number of women. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They may be expected by society to take care of their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. 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). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the right dosage.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with anxiety and depression, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. When creating an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also consider the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully it is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, 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 utilizes real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps determine the most common ADHD symptoms in women and 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 is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
click here for more with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.