ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well like spouses, siblings, or friends to assess their symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can interfere with relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.
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. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy or going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration, but there are steps you can follow to get the assistance and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care physician and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. see it here can also consult with a career counselor or join an online support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any other conditions you might have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who have ADHD might be misdiagnosed 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 is also crucial to have had these symptoms since before you turned 12. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two different settings, such as work or home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, as well for example, the behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create a report for you.
In certain instances the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They might decide to rule out the condition when you have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, yet it is more prevalent in males and boys. However, it's harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected to take care of their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the correct dosage.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms for women and provide information that can be shared 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 the answers you provide. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to note that it cannot replace the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also essential. You can achieve this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.