ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria can play a part in.
killer deal use a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of despair. 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.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ from person to person, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, get into trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep.
It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or go through menopause. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior could influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female traits."
Although these issues can be frustrating There are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 is also essential to have a the history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also talk with people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to read.
In some instances the evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though minor or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men but it also affects a large number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They may be required by society to look after their children, play various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. 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 appropriate dosage.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can help. adhd symptoms in women to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will help them determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now add in adult women for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women and 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 the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their life quality is greatly improved. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success at work and school, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be achieved by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.