ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can impact relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women vary in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning how to improve their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you might have like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 prior to the time you reached the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You'll likely take psychological tests as well, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can go through.
In certain instances, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Iam Psychiatry
Although ADHD is more common in boys and men but it also has a significant impact on women. It is harder for women to seek treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They may be expected by society to take care of their children, perform multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. 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 should monitor the medication to ensure that it is administered at the right dosage.
There are numerous ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be best for you. When developing a treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, 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 focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully it is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. The tool has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provide 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in school and at work and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.