ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may play a role.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. They can still affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with the way you conduct yourself or the you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. There are also issues in focusing or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
While these differences are frustrating, there are ways to receive the help and support you require. It's best to begin with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any underlying issues you may have like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 is also essential to have experienced these symptoms before you turned 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, like close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to create a report that you can look over.
In certain cases, an evaluator may decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're looking to find an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, despite the fact that it is more common among males and females. It is more difficult for women to get treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be required by society to care for their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. 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 be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken at the correct dose.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. When developing an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. add women will also take into account any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women and provides 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 is calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to 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 experience a change in their lives that increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.