ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can still affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women may 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 are going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as part of a woman's "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD are also benefited by improving their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counselor or join a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that for men, and may include medication such as stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any underlying issues you may have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to cope. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To be diagnosed with ADHD You must meet certain requirements. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It's also important to have a history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12 years old. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two different settings such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You may also be asked to take psychological tests, such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator will look at your history and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, like close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to read.
In some cases, an evaluator may decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and they don't interfere with daily functioning. They may decide to rule out the condition when you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary care physician for a referral. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a large number of women. However, it's harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be expected to take care of their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). www.iampsychiatry.uk should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the appropriate dose.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be best for you. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as whether there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the impact of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This tool was designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provide 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 that reflects the severity of symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for the complete assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.