ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating, and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these difficulties do not come from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your behavior or personality.
adhd test for women in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Additionally, adhd symptoms women suffer from 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 have difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating but there are ways to get the help and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any other issues you may have like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 the history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different environments such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also talk with people who know you well, including family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create an evaluation report that you can go through.
In some cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although slight or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, yet it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is harder for women to seek treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who live with ADHD may also be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They could be expected by society to take care of their children, perform different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and also medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a physician to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. When creating a treatment plan the doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. Symptoms may also alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women and uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help determine the most common 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free 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 along with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also important. You can do this by joining a support system or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.