ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role

Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.

Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms.

Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.

Signs and symptoms

Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember, however, that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character.

The signs of ADHD in women can vary from person to person but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, get into trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury like cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.

It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or go through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."

Although these issues can be frustrating but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group.

It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also crucial to talk to your doctor about any other conditions you might have like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

Adults may be unable to receive an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed 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 with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."

To be diagnosed with ADHD you must meet certain criteria. 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 experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.

You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also talk with people who know you well, including family and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can read.

In certain cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.

Treatment

Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also has a significant impact on women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment because they tend to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.

Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They may be expected by society to take care of their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication treatment.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the right dose.

In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.

Depending on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. When determining an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.

Support

women and attention deficit disorder with adhd in women adults are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, this is changing. There are more resources for women with adhd in adult women treatment, and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.

ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis.

The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides 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 that reflects the severity of symptoms. 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 should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.

When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success in school and at work, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.