ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various periods. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopausal. attention deficit disorder in women regarding gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood changes may be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female traits."
While these differences are frustrating 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 care doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to hide them to cope. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 the history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two environments, such as working or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests as well like the behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your history and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, like close friends and family members. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In some instances, the evaluator will determine that you don't have ADHD. adhd in women checklist may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition when you have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in males and females but it also affects a large number of women. However, it's often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, juggle many roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the correct dosage.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Women may find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments could be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating the treatment plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may 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 menstrual cycles or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This also means women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available to 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 result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like binge eating. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided to 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The test can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a full evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success at work and school and help them understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.