ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can affect relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind that these issues do not come from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your behavior or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ from person to person but the most typical are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious constantly or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or experience difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. adhd in women treatment 's always a good idea to start with your primary care physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping methods. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to hide them as a means of coping. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from 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 crucial to have the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You will likely be required to take psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also talk with people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce a report that you can read.
In some instances the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although slight or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it has a significant impact on women. It is harder for women to seek treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They might be required by society to take care of their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the correct dose.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can be helpful. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When creating a treatment plan, your doctor will take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and it uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help women identify their most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be shared with 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 upon your responses. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success at work and school and help them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.