ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role

Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.

Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.

Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. But they can still affect relationships, work and life generally.

Symptoms

Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with the way you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.

The signs of ADHD in women with attention deficit disorder can vary from person to person however the most frequent are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like cutting or burning, or have trouble sleeping.

It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with inattentive adhd in women for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered "female characteristics."

While these differences can be a source of frustration, there are ways to get the help and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional for an evaluation. Women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They could 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 for men and could include stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any medical conditions you might have like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

Adults may struggle to get an diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. 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 had these symptoms since before you turned 12. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.

You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, like close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to create a report that you can read.

In some instances, an evaluator may decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They might decide to 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 want to find an expert to test you for adhd symptoms women and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They can recommend 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 a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.

Treatment

ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent among males and females. It is harder for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.

Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be required by society to look after their children, perform different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for those with impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.

Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being used.

There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.

Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. When creating a treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to focus.

Support

Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms that women and girls experience. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are more 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 result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis.

A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help identify women's most common adhd in women test 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 indicates 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 remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an adhd in women assessment consultation.

When women suffering from adhd in women checklist seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also crucial. You can achieve this by joining a support system or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.