ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender bias and outdated criteria may play a part in.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. But they can still interfere with relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps that you can follow to get the assistance and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD can benefit from improving their organization skills and create better coping strategies. They could benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and can include medications like stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any medical issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to hide them as a means of coping. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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. It is also essential to have had these symptoms prior to the time you reached the age of 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two environments, such as working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too like an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also speak to people who know you well, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare an evaluation report for you.
In some cases an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition when you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for a referral. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females with ADHD may also be pressured to conform to different social norms. They might be expected to look after their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also 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 can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure that it is taken in the appropriate dose.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. When creating the treatment plan, your doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and should there be any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are more aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. A score is calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The test can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their quality of life increases dramatically. adhd in women adult can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at school and at work and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.