ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender bias and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well like spouses, siblings, or friends to assess the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. But they can still affect relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of insecurity. It's important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, be in trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal 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 be different at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as during menopausal. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be mistaken for signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration, there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. adhd in women checklist who suffer from ADHD could 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 is also essential to have a the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two different settings, such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. adhd traits in women includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The results of the evaluator will be used to create the report you will be able to go through.
In certain cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and they don't hinder your daily activities. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you're looking to find an expert to test you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females but it also affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment since they are more likely to 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 feel pressure to meet different social norms. They could be expected by society to take care of their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and also medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines 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 taken at the appropriate dosage.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination treatment. When developing the treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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 will be calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The test can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.