ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them like spouses or siblings to assess symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of insecurity. It is important to remember that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or character.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ between individuals but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior could influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be mistaken for signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female traits."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can follow to get the support and help you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
You must meet certain criteria 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 had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two environments like working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
adult female adhd symptoms will also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, including close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare an evaluation report for you.
In certain instances the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though slight or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are seeking a physician who can assess you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also affects a large number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They may be expected to take care of their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with anxiety and depression, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle and symptom intensity when developing 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 that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this 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 workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping behaviors like binge eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help women identify their most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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 will be calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to note that it is not a substitute for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at work and school and help them to learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. This can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.