ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. But they can still hinder relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these difficulties do not come 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 focussed. You might also have trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated all the time. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to note that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or going through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's "female qualities."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to cope. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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 is also essential to have a an history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings like working or at home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You should also undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely be required to take psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also talk to people who know you well, including family and close friends. click through the following web site will be used to create an evaluation report that you can go through.
In certain cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They may rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They can recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected by society to look after their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a physician to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can be helpful. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be best for you. When determining the treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and should there be any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are more resources 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 work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms may change at different stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could 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 has been created by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provide 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success in school and at work and help them understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support group or finding a coach with experience working with women.