ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you act or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, causing trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious constantly. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can take to receive the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD are also benefited by learning how to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from 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 crucial to have a history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12. navigate here is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two settings such as working or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will review your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, including close family members and friends. The evaluator will use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In certain cases an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though slight or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to get treatment since they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be expected to care for their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the appropriate dosage.
There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can aid. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Some women 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 depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, as well as if there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. adhd in women can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping behaviors like binge eating. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provides 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that reflects the severity of symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely 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.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment find that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach with expertise working with women.