ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may play a part in.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different periods. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. They can affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It's crucial to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be mistaken for symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female traits."
Although these issues can be frustrating There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD are also benefited by learning how to improve their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also work with a career counselor or join a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. high functioning adhd in women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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 important to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you reached the age of 12. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two environments, such as at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. undiagnosed adhd in women 'll likely take psychological tests, as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In certain instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They could rule out the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in boys and men however, it affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to get treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD may also be pressured to conform to different societal expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and also medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically 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) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the right dosage.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing the treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will help them determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. The symptoms may alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It helps identify 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 indicates the severity of symptoms. The test can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment find that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and at school, and help them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.