ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings or friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble in focusing or completing tasks, getting into trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious constantly. Many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. adhd in women of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's best to start with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Highly recommended Site with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counselor or join an online support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. 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 an history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need.
In certain instances, the evaluator will determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more prevalent among males and females. It is more difficult for women to get treatment since they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females with ADHD may also feel pressure to meet different social expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be a challenge for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken in the correct dosage.
There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatment options might be best for you. When developing a treatment plan, your doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. Highly recommended Site can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women. It also provides information that can be shared with a physician.
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 to determine the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success in work and school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support system or by finding a coach with experience working with women.