ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can affect relationships as well as work and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these issues do not come from you and have nothing to do with your actions or character.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between individuals however the most frequent are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. simply click the following webpage may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or going through menopause. Additionally, certain social attitudes regarding gender and behavior may affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female qualities."
These issues can be frustrating however there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician who can refer to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counselor or join a support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to the treatment for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any medical issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who have ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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 is also important to have had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause significant problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well for example, a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They may also talk with people who know you well, including family and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce a report that you can look over.
In some cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and they don't interfere with daily functioning. They might rule out the condition, when you have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are seeking a physician who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dosage.
There are numerous ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing the treatment plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can impact the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This tool was specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to note that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at work and school and help them understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.