ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them such as spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal changes. They can affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with the way you act or what kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. add test for women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be interpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female qualities."
These issues can be frustrating However, there are steps you can follow to get the help and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Some women suffering from ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It's also crucial to talk to your doctor about any underlying issues you may have like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to hide them to cope. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD may be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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's also crucial to have an history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two settings, such as at home or at work. In addition, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely take psychological tests, too for example, a checklist or behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask 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 evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need.
In some instances, an evaluator may conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and they don't hinder your daily activities. They might exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be expected to take care of their children, juggle many tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is crucial for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually 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 must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken in the correct dose.
There are many ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatment options might be best for you. When determining a treatment plan, your doctor will consider aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as should there be any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms that women and girls experience. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms may also alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms 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 reveals the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at school and at work, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.