ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause.

Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.

Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different times. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life in general.

Symptoms

Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.

ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems.

It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. In addition, societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could affect whether a person's symptoms are noticed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be mistaken for signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female traits."

These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can follow to get the support and help you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping methods. You can also consult with a career counselor or join an online support group.

It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

Adults may have difficulty getting 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 could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."

To receive a diagnosis of 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's also important to have the history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12 years old. 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 at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.

It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You could also be asked to take psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, like close friends and family members. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create the report you need.

In certain cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have adhd in middle aged women. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.

If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for a referral. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat adhd in adult women adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.

Treatment

While ADHD is more prevalent in males and females but it also affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to get treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.

Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders 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 atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken in the correct dosage.

There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with adhd for adult women manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can be helpful. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can assist famous women with adhd suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.

Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatment options might be appropriate for you. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will help them prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.

Support

Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.

ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis.

A new online screening tool for add adult women ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.

Women with ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an Adhd in Women test coach with previous experience working with female clients.