ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well, such as spouses or siblings to evaluate their symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. But they can still affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to remember that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to be related to your behavior or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ between individuals but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and during menopause. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
These differences can be frustrating however there are steps you can take to receive the support and help you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any other issues you may have like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD may be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain criteria. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It is also crucial to have had these symptoms before you turned 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator will look at your history and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create the report you will be able to go through.
In some cases, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. Alternatively, add symptoms in women can call your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They could be expected by society to look after their children, take on different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be a challenge for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the correct dose.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
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 men and boys. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits like binge eating. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms among 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. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.