ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can impact relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or character.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ from person to person, but the most common are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
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 example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy or going through menopausal. In addition, societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings can be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a sign of "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping methods. You can also talk to a career counselor or join a support group.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult 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. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed with ADHD. 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 a a history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two settings such as at home or at work. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely take psychological tests as well, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce the report you will be able to read.
In certain cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They might rule out the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for a referral. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, yet it is more prevalent among boys and men. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they mask 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 norms. They could be expected to look after their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). see it here -stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When creating an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and whether there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms that women and girls experience. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help identify women's 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Web Site suffering from ADHD who seek treatment discover that their quality of life improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success in work and school and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also important. You can achieve this by joining a support system or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.