ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well like spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate their symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can also hinder relationships, work and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to do with your actions or character.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary among individuals however the most frequent are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble with paying attention or working on tasks, causing trouble at work or at school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female traits."
These nuances can be a source of frustration, but there are steps that you can take to get the support and help you require. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with an expert in career counseling or join an online support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to mask them as a means of coping. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed 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 beginning before the age of 12. adhd symptoms in women adults must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could be required to take psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They may also talk to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In certain cases an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though minor or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They might exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common for males and boys however, it affects a significant number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They might be expected by society to care for their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and also medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure that it is administered at the right dose.
There are many ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be the best option for you. When developing an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you might have, and whether there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. adhd symptoms in women adults will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately things are changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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 is calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it cannot replace a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment notice that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.
