ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work.

Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.

Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life in general.

Signs and symptoms

Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues 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 vary, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, be in trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping.

It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy or go through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female characteristics."

These issues can be frustrating however there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, some women with adhd women uk benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.

It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the add treatment for women for men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any other issues you may have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from diagnosing adhd in adult women may be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."

You must meet certain requirements 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's also crucial to have a history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two different settings such as working or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.

You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your history and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, like close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to go through.

In certain instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from adhd in adults women. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.

Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can assess you for ADHD. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.

Treatment

Although ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.

Females who live with ADHD may also be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They could be required by society to take care of their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations 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). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken at the appropriate dose.

There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.

Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. When creating the treatment plan, your doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus.

Support

Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their specific symptoms.

ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis.

A new online screening tool for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help identify women's 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 in Women/impulsivity, and two other symptom areas. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.

When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at work and school and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach with experience working with women.