ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different times. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. They can affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember, however, that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female qualities."
Although these issues can be frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 important to have experienced these symptoms before you turned 12 years old. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two environments like work or home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You'll likely take psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, including close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to write an evaluation report for you.
In some instances, the evaluator will determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent in males and boys. It is harder for women to get treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and also medication management.
Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being used.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing the treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent 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 will be calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When navigate to these guys suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.