ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a part in.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who are familiar with the patient -- like spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. However, they can affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you conduct yourself or the you're like.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy or go through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female characteristics."
weblink can be a source of frustration, but there are steps that you can take to receive the support and help you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor, who can 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. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 essential to have had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two settings such as work or home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You must also have physical examinations to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The evaluator may ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare an evaluation report for you.
In some instances an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and they don't hinder your daily activities. They might rule out the condition, when you have other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for a referral. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also affects a large number of women. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be expected by society to look after their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations and also medication management.
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 can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When creating the treatment plan, your doctor will take into account factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. 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 with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide 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 is calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.
