ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 The gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well like spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the symptoms.
Symptoms of adult add women ADHD can be different at different times, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to keep in mind that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to do with your behavior or personality.
adhd symptoms in adult women symptoms in women differ, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may 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, and during menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which add symptoms in adult women are recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with an expert in career counseling or join a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that for men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any other conditions you might have, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who have ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
You must meet certain requirements 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's also important to have an history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two settings like working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You may be required to take psychological tests like the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to look over.
In certain instances the evaluator might determine that you don't have adhd with women. They may say that your symptoms, though minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it has a significant impact on women. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Females with ADHD may also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They might be expected to look after their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations and 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 place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the correct dose.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Stress management techniques, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. When determining a treatment plan the doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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 in women/impulsivity, and two other symptom areas. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at work and school and help them to learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.