ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a part in.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings or family members to look into the symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. They can affect relationships as well as work and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and can cause feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women vary in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also experience trouble with paying attention or completing tasks, causing trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed all the time. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems.
It's important to note that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. In addition, societal attitudes about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. In add symptoms in adult women , some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping methods. You can also talk to a career counselor or join a support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and may include medications such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive a diagnosis of 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 essential to have experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely take psychological tests, too, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create a report for you.
In some instances, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They might exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent in males and boys. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They could be required by society to take care of their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations and also medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. 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) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the appropriate dose.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When creating the treatment plan your doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily 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 less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This tool was designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. 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 symptoms. adhd in adult women symptoms is free and can be completed online. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach who has experience working with women.