ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria may play a role.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can impact relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to do with do with your behavior or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning how to improve their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications such as stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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 essential to have experienced these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two different settings like working or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You could be required to take psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, like close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can go through.
In certain instances the evaluator may decide that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while slight or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you want to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, yet it is more common among males and boys. adhd in women treatment is harder for women to seek treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They could 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 women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. 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). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the correct dose.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, this is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout various stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provides information that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The test can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough 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 improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them for success in work and school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach with expertise working with women.