ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role

Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.

Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.

Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can affect relationships as well as work and life generally.

Signs and symptoms

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

The signs of ADHD for women may differ between individuals but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have trouble with paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming anxious and agitated constantly. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.

It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of adhd in older women may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or go through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."

These issues can be frustrating However, there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.

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

Diagnosis

Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for [Redirect Only] ADHD. Your symptoms may be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up to cope. Additionally, 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."

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 the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.

You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also talk to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create an evaluation report that you can read.

In certain cases an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while slight or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.

Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for adhd in women signs. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from adhd In Women test. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.

Treatment

Although adhd in women treatment is more common in males and females, it also affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to get treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments.

Females who suffer from ADHD may also be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They may be required by society to look after their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is important for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also medication treatment.

Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the right dose.

There are numerous ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.

Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatments could be best for you. When creating an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will consider factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as whether there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.

Support

Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This also means women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately things are changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms.

ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay a diagnosis.

A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on to a doctor.

The test requires a person to answer 18 questions that are broken down by the four core symptoms of adhd in women over 50: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and two other symptom areas. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. 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 situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.

Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success at school and at work, and help them learn to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.