ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can impact relationships as well as work and life generally.
treatment for adhd in women and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's crucial to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with the way you act or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women vary in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious all the time. In addition, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It's important to note, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive a diagnosis of 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 important to have the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. The symptoms must cause significant problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may be required to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, like close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need.
In some cases the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They might exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the correct dose.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be appropriate for you. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and symptom intensity when developing an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can lead to health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It helps identify the most common ADHD symptoms for women and provide 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that reflects the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at the workplace and in school and help them understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. You can achieve this by joining a support network or finding a coach who has experience working with women.