ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to be related to your behavior or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's important to note, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or going through menopausal. In addition, societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be mistaken for signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female traits."
Although these issues can be frustrating There are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that for men, and can include medication such as stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of 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 is also important to have experienced these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too, such as the behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your past and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, including close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to go through.
In some cases an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though slight or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They might be required by society to look after their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations and medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments may be best for you. When creating an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. adhd in women uk will also consider any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are more aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies, 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 anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. The tool has been designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on to 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and in school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.