ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role

Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender bias and outdated criteria can play a part in.

Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends -- to assess symptoms.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life generally.

Signs and symptoms

Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or personality.

The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ from person to person however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.

It's important to know that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and during menopause. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood changes may be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as part of a woman's "female traits."

While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They may also 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 similar to that of men, and it can include medications like stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high functioning adhd in women-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."

To be diagnosed with 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 is also crucial to have experienced these symptoms before you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.

You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also request that you speak with people who know you, such as family members and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to write an evaluation report for you.

In some instances an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They might rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.

Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate your symptoms for adhd inattentive type women. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.

Treatment

ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.

Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They could be expected by society to care for their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and medication management.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being used.

There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.

Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When creating a treatment plan your doctor will consider aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and whether there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and 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 is focused on males and females. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that understanding women with adhd have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms.

ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay a diagnosis.

A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help for women with adhd to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women. It also provides information that can be shared with a physician.

The test requires a person to answer 18 questions that are broken down by the four core symptoms of adhd diagnosis in adult women: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and two other symptom areas. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to note that it cannot replace the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.

When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically experience a change in their lives that increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at school and at work and help them understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.