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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to do with your actions or character.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ among individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble with paying attention or finishing tasks, causing trouble at work or at school or having difficulty keeping 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. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or go through menopausal. In addition, some societal attitudes about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization might be seen as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps you can follow to get the help and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 important to have experienced these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also talk to people who know you well, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In some cases an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though minor or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They could rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for a referral. They can recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more common among boys and men. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They may be required by society to care for their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is crucial for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice 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 drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is administered at the right dosage.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Women may find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, as well as if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in attention deficit disorder in women can cause difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment find that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success in school and at work and help them to learn to understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support system or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.