ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient -- like spouses, siblings or family members to look into the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you conduct yourself or the you're like.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ among individuals however the most frequent are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy or going through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration There are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary doctor, who can refer to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. They could benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. 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 is also essential to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also talk with people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The evaluator will use their findings to write a report for you.
In some cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They may rule out the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities to find an expert who can treat 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, even though it is more prevalent in males and boys. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females with ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They may be required by society to take care of their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the right dose.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. When determining a treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This also means women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to note that it is not a substitute for the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and allow them to understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. inattentive add in women can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.