ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very 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 behave or what kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have trouble in focusing or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious constantly. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can follow to get the support and help you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an 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 could benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain requirements. 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 an history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
add in adult women 'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You may also be asked to take psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to talk to people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create a report for you.
In some cases the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although mild or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They might exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it affects a large number of women. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
There are numerous ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing a plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are more aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It helps determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women. It also provides 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 indicates the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment find that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach with experience working with women.