ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various periods. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life in general.
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 can cause feelings of despair. It is important to keep in mind that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to be related to your behavior or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female traits."
These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps that you can take to get the support and help you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD can benefit from improving their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and may include medications such as stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 crucial to have an history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. The other requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two settings, such as work or home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have physical examinations to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, including family and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In certain instances the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you're looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various social norms. They may be required by society to take care of their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. 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 treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). adhd in women treatment -stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be best for you. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also consider the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can lead to health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully things are changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like eating too much. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in 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. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and also allow them to better understand themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.