ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you behave or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women vary in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems.
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from improving their organization skills and create more effective strategies for coping. They may also 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 that of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who have ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
You must meet certain requirements 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 that began before the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must 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, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also speak to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The results of the evaluator will be used to create the report you will be able to go through.
In certain instances the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. inattentive add in women may say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes 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 join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, despite the fact that it is more common among males and females. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected by society to care for their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management strategies as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation A combination of treatment options might be best for you. When developing the treatment plan, your doctor will consider aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides 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. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The test can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment notice that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school, and help them understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach with expertise working with women.