ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. They can affect relationships at work, as well as 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 a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals, but the most common are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also experience trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, causing trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated constantly. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can take to get the support and help you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. You can also talk to an expert in career counseling or join a support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It's also crucial to talk to your doctor about any underlying conditions you might have, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD may be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 important to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two settings, such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You will likely be required to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also ask you to speak with people who know you, such as family members and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create the report you need.
In some cases, the evaluator will determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They may exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. It is more difficult for women to receive 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.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations and medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). adhd in women -stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle and symptom intensity when developing the treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and whether there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms for 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. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at the workplace and in school and help them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.