ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can impact relationships as well as work and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated all the time. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems.
It's important to know that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female qualities."
While these differences are frustrating There are ways to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician who can refer to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organization skills and create more effective strategies for coping. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any medical conditions you might have like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to hide them to cope. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. 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 essential to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to read.
In some cases the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They may exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different societal expectations. They may be expected to take care of their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being used.
There are many ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It can help identify women's most prevalent 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. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The test can be completed online and is free. It is important to note that it is not a substitute for the complete assessment of your condition. made my day should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support system or by finding a coach with experience working with women.