ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria can play a part in.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. However, they can interfere with relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of helplessness. It is important to remember, however, that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ among individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, get into trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It's important to note, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For adhd in adults women , women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be mistaken for signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female traits."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps that you can take to receive the support and help you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any other issues you may have like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to hide them as a means of coping. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain requirements. 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 years old. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You must also have an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to create an evaluation report that you can read.
In certain instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They could exclude the condition, when you have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for an expert to test you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They can recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more common among boys and men. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They might be expected to look after their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. When creating an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. 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 their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women and 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 reveals the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at school and at work, and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.