ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them such as spouses or siblings to evaluate symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can impact relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to remember, however, that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can take to get the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you must meet certain criteria. 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 a history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. add women will likely be required to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to speak with people who know you, like close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to create an evaluation report that you can read.
In certain cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while mild or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
If you want to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for a referral. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD may also be under pressure to meet various social norms. They might be required by society to take care of their children, play different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to ensure that the correct dosage is being taken.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management strategies as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When developing a treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult 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 helps identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provides 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 your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and in school, and help them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. You can achieve this by joining a support network or finding a coach with expertise working with women.