ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria could be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them like spouses or siblings to evaluate their symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can also hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you act or what you're like.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, causing difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious constantly. In addition, many women experience emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. adhd in adult women treatment from self-injury that is not suicidal such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness may be considered "female characteristics."
These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to receive the support and help you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any medical conditions you might have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it 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's also important to have a history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two different settings like working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests like the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will use their findings to write a report for you.
In some cases the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though slight or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They may decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in males and females but it also affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to receive treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different social norms. They could be expected by society to care for their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Stimulant medication is usually 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, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being used.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be the best option for you. When determining a treatment plan your doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the correct type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on males and boys. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women and provide information that can be shared with a physician.
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 will be calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The test can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment find that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success in the workplace and in school and help them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. You can achieve this by joining a support group or finding a coach with experience working with women.