ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well, such as spouses or siblings to assess their symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of helplessness. 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 kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary from person to person however the most frequent are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues in focusing or finishing tasks, causing trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious all the time. Additionally, many women experience emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It's important to know that the symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy or going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's "female qualities."
While these differences are frustrating There are ways to get the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications like stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an diagnosis for ADHD. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to mask them to cope. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed 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's also crucial to have the history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You may be required to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to read.
In some cases the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more common among males and females. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They could be required by society to care for their children, perform different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations, 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 medications that can be used in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the right dose.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing the plan. adhd in women symptoms will also consider any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully it is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD, and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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 symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often find that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and in school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with experience working with women.