ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. However, they can also hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization might be seen as "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to hide them to cope. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you must meet certain requirements. 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 turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You may be required to take psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In some instances, an evaluator may conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
If please click the following article want to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent among males and females. However, it's harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They could be expected by society to care for their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations and also 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 drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken in the appropriate dose.
There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can aid. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can assist women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be appropriate for you. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a plan. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you might have, and whether there are any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms that women and girls experience. This also means women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms may alter at different times in life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can delay a proper diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on to 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 shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. 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 suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.