ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well, such as spouses or siblings to evaluate symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. But they can still interfere with relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and don't have anything to do with the way you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ between individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, be in trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of 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 when they are going through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can follow to get the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to cope. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 is also essential to have a a history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12 years old. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two settings like work or home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well for example, the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also request that you speak with people who know you, such as close friends and family members. The results of the evaluator will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can go through.
In some instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They could rule out the condition, when you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find an expert to test you for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, even though it is more prevalent in males and boys. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They could be expected to look after their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations and also medication treatment.
adhd in young women suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Techniques for managing stress as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. When developing an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will help them determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. The tool has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help identify the most common ADHD symptoms for women and provide 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 is calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it's not a replacement for an assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work and help them to become more aware of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.