ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings or friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For adhd in adult women symptoms , during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They can impact relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble in focusing or completing tasks, causing trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious all the time. In addition, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like burning themselves or cutting themselves or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a sign of "female traits."
These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps you can follow to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join a support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and may include medications like stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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's also important to have an history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two settings like work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
adhd in adult women symptoms 'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You may also be asked to take psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner will review your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also talk to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The results of the evaluator will be used to produce a report that you can go through.
In some cases the evaluator may decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent in males and boys. It is harder for women to seek treatment since they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They might be expected by society to look after their children, play various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those who have impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the appropriate dosage.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation A combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women with 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 women and girls. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping behaviors like eating too much. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women. It also 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 is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work and help them to understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support network or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.