ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the their symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of helplessness. It's crucial to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you behave or what kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals however the most frequent are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. add women may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, getting into difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming 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 such as cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. 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 disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
While these differences are frustrating There are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counselor or join an online support group.
It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms may be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from 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 is also essential to have a an history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two settings, such as at home or at work. In addition the symptoms must be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You must also have physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely take psychological tests, as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to write a report that you can read.
In certain instances the evaluator may decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also has a significant impact on women. However, it's harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be expected to look after their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
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 drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken in the correct dose.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your situation, you may benefit from a combination treatment. When determining the treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms that women and girls experience. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The test can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach who has experience working with women.