ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor.

Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.

adult adhd in women adhd assessment for adult women (navigate here) symptoms can change at different times. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. However, they can also affect relationships, work and life generally.

signs and symptoms of adhd in women and symptoms

Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. However, 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 act or what kind of person you are.

ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into trouble at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.

It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. If you're a female with ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."

These differences can be frustrating however there are steps that you can follow to get the assistance and support you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women adhd checklist with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join a support group.

It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to hide them as a means of coping. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."

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 had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two environments such as working or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.

You must also have an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, too like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you handled 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 the report you need.

In certain cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and they don't interfere with daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

If you're looking for a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.

Treatment

Although ADHD is more common in males and females, it also affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.

Women suffering from ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be expected to take care of their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.

Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is administered at the appropriate dosage.

In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can help. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.

Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be the best adhd medication for adult women option for you. When determining the treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, as well as should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.

Support

Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their specific symptoms.

ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis.

The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help women identify their most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information 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 that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.

When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success in school and at work and help them understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support group or finding a coach with expertise working with women.