ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can affect relationships as well as work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women differ and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have trouble with paying attention or completing tasks, getting into trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These issues can be frustrating However, there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Women with ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create more effective strategies for coping. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have ADHD might 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 important to have had these symptoms before you turned 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings like at home or at work. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write a report for you.
In some instances an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an adhd in middle aged women support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD may also be pressured to conform to different societal expectations. They might be expected by society to take care of their children, take on different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations, and also medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the appropriate dosage.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with adhd in Women test.
Based on the specificity of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and whether there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace an evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with adhd in women assessment who seek treatment frequently discover that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.