ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them such as spouses or siblings to look into the their symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different time points. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. However, they can also affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's crucial to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you act or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. There are also issues in focusing or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated all the time. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. If blog 're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and it can include medications like stimulants. adult add women 's also important to consult your doctor about any underlying issues you may have, such as 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 disguise them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain criteria 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 you were 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must 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 before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely take psychological tests, too like an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your past and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to write a report for you.
In some cases, an evaluator may conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, even though it is more prevalent in males and females. It is harder for women to seek treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations and also medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat 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 be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the correct dose.
There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. When creating an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as should there be any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also factor in the effects of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. adult add in women is designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It helps identify the most common ADHD symptoms for women. It also provides 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The test can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.