ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can also affect relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ between individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, be in trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration There are ways to get the help and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD might 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 is also crucial to have had these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely take psychological tests as well for example, a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your history and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to create an evaluation report that you can look over.
In certain instances the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They could exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms 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
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men, it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various social norms. They could be expected to care for their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from 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. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be the best option for you. When creating a treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. signs and symptoms of adhd in women can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help identify women's most prevalent 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that reflects the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace an evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment find that their life quality is greatly improved. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at work and school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. signs and symptoms of adhd in women can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.
