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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient -- like spouses, siblings or family members to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can also hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember, however, that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble in focusing or completing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming anxious and agitated all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from adhd adult women treatment tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be misinterpreted as signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating but there are ways to get the help and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills 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 it can include medication such as stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any underlying issues you may have like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to hide them to cope. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. 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's also crucial to have the history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings, such as at home or at work. In addition the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create a report for you.
In some instances an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although mild or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary care physician for a referral. They can recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an adhd in women quiz support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. It is harder for women to seek treatment since they tend to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They may be expected to care for their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include 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, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Techniques for managing stress as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming the treatment plan. They will also consider any other health problems you might have, and if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase 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 boys and men. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women with adhd test adult women and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping behaviors like eating too much. Symptoms may also alter at different times in life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can impact the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult adhd symptoms women ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be shared 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated to determine the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school and help them understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support system or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.