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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play. Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life in general. Symptoms Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience 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 in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have trouble with paying attention or finishing tasks, causing trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have 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. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or go through menopausal. In addition, societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics." These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can follow to get the assistance and support you require. It's best to start with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. adhd in women adults 's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to the treatment for men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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 crucial to have experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two different settings such as working or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than 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'll likely have to take psychological tests as well like the behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can go through. In some instances an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression. If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations. Treatment Although ADHD is more common in males and females, it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males because of the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able appointments or being unable work in noisy environments. Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are typically 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 administered. In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the specificity of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus. Support Women who suffer from 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 it is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their specific symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay the diagnosis. A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to 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 reflects the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for an assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support system or finding a coach with experience working with women.
Member since: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
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