ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them, such as spouses or siblings to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. But they can still interfere with relationships, work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the you're like.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary among individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women experience emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or go through menopause. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who have ADHD might 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 is also important to have had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two environments, such as work or home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You could be required to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will review your past experiences and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, like family members and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create a report that you can read.
In some instances an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although mild or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you want to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire 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 members for suggestions.
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 keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different societal expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure that it is taken at the appropriate dosage.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. When determining the treatment plan your doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. adhd symptoms for women has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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. A score is calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. adhd in women is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for an assessment of your condition and 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 improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. You can achieve this by joining a support group or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.