ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them like spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. But they can still affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ among individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, causing trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to know that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and during menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating There are ways to get the help and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any medical issues you may have like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. 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 had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two settings such as at home or at work. In addition, the symptoms must be present for more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. iampsychiatry.uk 'll likely take psychological tests as well for example, the behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also talk with people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can go through.
In some instances, the evaluator will conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you want to find an expert to test you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, even though it is more prevalent among males and females. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
There are numerous ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatment options might be appropriate for you. When creating a treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. 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 the most common ADHD symptoms for 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 to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school, and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or by finding a coach with experience working with women.