ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well like spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, be in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning themselves or cutting themselves or experience difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization might be seen as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to get the support and help you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain criteria 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 crucial to have the history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two environments like working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, too like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create the report you will be able to look over.
In certain cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more common among males and females. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able appointments or being unable work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected to care for their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also medication treatment.
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 medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to ensure that the correct dosage is being used.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be appropriate for you. When creating a treatment plan your doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately things are changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a health professional. adhd symptoms in women test can help identify the most common ADHD symptoms for women and provide 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that reflects the severity of symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for a full evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. You can do this by joining a support group or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.