ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you act or what kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ between individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It's also crucial to talk to your doctor about any other issues you may have, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms could have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to hide them to cope. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To be diagnosed with ADHD You must meet certain criteria. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It is also important to have had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two settings such as work or home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, such as close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can go through.
In some instances the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They may rule out the condition, when you have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common in boys and men however, it affects a significant number of women. However, add symptoms in adult women is often more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who live with ADHD may also be pressured to conform to different societal expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. 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). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the right dosage.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can aid. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. When developing the treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will help them determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are 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 workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as eating too much. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women. It also 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 indicates the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently find that their life quality is greatly improved. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.