ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal changes. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you conduct yourself or the you're like.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ among individuals, but the most common are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, causing trouble at work or at school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as part of a woman's "female qualities."
While these differences can be a source of frustration There are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
high functioning adhd in women 's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any other issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. 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."
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 crucial to have experienced these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You could be required to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator will look at your past and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce a report that you can read.
In some instances, the evaluator will determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it affects a large number of women. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected to take care of 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 important 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 the atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Women may find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms when creating the treatment plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug-related 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 allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits like binge eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women. It also provides 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to note that it cannot replace a full assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support network or finding a coach who has experience working with women.