ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or family members to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals however the most frequent are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues in focusing or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep.
It's important to know that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or go through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as "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 a good idea always to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Some women suffering from adhd in women adult are also benefited by improving their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up to cope. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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's also important to have the history of these symptoms that began before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings, such as at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could be required to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The results of the evaluator will be used to produce the report you will be able to go through.
In some instances an evaluator might conclude that you don't have adhd in women book. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and they don't hinder your daily activities. They could 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 for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for adhd In women test Ask your primary care physician for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more common among males and boys. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women with these symptoms to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the right dose.
There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from adhd in women over 50 manage symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can aid. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatments could be best for you. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, as well as whether there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the correct type and dosage medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women with adhd in adults women are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can lead to health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. The symptoms can vary throughout various stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps determine the most common adhd in women adult symptoms in women and provide information that can be shared 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 indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at work and school and help them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.