ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these problems do not come from 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 in staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. In addition, societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to receive the support and help you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that for men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to hide them as a means of coping. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 experienced these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings, such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner will review your history and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to write a report that you can read.
In certain instances the evaluator may decide that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while mild or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Ask adhd traits in women for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. adhd in women checklist is more difficult 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.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be expected by society to take care of their children, play various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be a challenge for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.
There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. When determining a treatment plan your doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider 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 menopausal. This will help them determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD, and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating too much. The symptoms may alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details 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 indicates the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support system or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.