ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. But they can still interfere with relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, be in trouble at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women experience emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal acts 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 be different at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings can be interpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a sign of "female qualities."
These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to get the support and help you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to cover them up as a means of coping. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed 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 is also essential to have had these symptoms since before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well like the behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to read.
In some cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. adhd in adult women symptoms might conclude that your symptoms, while minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They may rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance provider or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, even though it is more prevalent in males and boys. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They could be required by society to take care of their children, play different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Some women find 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 your particular situation A combination of treatment options might be best for you. When determining an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will consider 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 consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately adhd in adult women symptoms 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 difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help women identify their most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided to a doctor.
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 reveals 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 keep in mind that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often find that their quality of life improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at work and school and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.