ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well such as spouses or siblings to assess the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different periods. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. However, they can affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you act or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, causing trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It's important to know that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and during menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female qualities."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can follow to get the assistance and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. treatment for adhd in women suffering from ADHD can benefit from improving their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include 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 an diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from 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 prior to the time you reached the age of 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two settings, such as work or home. In addition the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluator will use their findings to write an evaluation report for you.
In some instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although slight or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They may 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 can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys however, it has a significant impact on women. It is harder for women to receive treatment since they tend to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected by society to look after their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations and medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being taken.
There are many ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Stress management techniques, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be appropriate for you. When determining an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms that women and girls experience. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, this is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD, and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms may change at different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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 tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often find that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success in the workplace and in school and help them to learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. You can do this by joining a support system or by finding a coach with experience working with women.