ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them such as spouses, siblings, or friends to assess their symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It's important to remember that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or character.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ from person to person, but the most common are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, getting into trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious constantly. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to note that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are observed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be mistaken for symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female qualities."
These differences can be frustrating however there are steps you can take to receive the support and help you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any underlying conditions you might have like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 starting before the age of 12 years old. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two settings like work or home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also talk with people who know you well, including family and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to write an evaluation report for you.
In certain cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They may exclude the condition, when you have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females but it also has a significant impact on women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, juggle many roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are 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 atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the appropriate dose.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatments could be best for you. When creating the treatment plan, your doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as if there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. adhd in women symptoms can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits like binge eating. Symptoms may also change throughout the course 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 an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help women identify their most common 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. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. 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 situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support system or finding a coach with expertise working with women.