ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings or friends -- to assess symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can also affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you act or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. There are also issues in focusing or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping.
It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps that you can follow to get the help and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care physician and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. They could benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 crucial to have had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You may be required to take psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, including close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare an evaluation report for you.
In some instances an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though minor or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They might rule out the condition, when you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They may be required by society to take care of their children, play various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication management.
Adults suffering from 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, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can aid. Techniques for managing stress as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. add test for women will take into account your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate plan. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you might have, and if there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can improve your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels 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 screening tool for adults with ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. The tool has been designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It helps identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provide 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. Scores are calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.