ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can interfere with relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with the way you behave or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be mistaken for signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also consult with a career counselor or join an online support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and may include medications like stimulants. It is also essential to talk to your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with 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 is also crucial to have had these symptoms before you turned 12. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two different settings, such as work or home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. adhd in women will take a look at your history and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, like close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to go through.
In certain instances the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They may decide to rule out the condition when you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, yet it is more common among boys and men. It is harder for women to receive treatment because they tend to hide their symptoms. adhd symptoms in women can range from not being able appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They could be required by society to care for their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a physician to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as if there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on with 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 is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and help them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.