ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them like spouses or siblings to evaluate the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy or go through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any underlying issues you may have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to cover them up as a means of coping. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who have ADHD may be misdiagnosed 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's also crucial to have the history of these symptoms that began before you were 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also talk to people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce the report you will be able to read.
In some cases, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and they don't interfere with daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females, it also affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be required by society to look after their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first option for treating 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 atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being taken.
There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments may be best for you. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you might have, and whether there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase 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 is focused on males and females. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help you identify the most common 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 indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. adhd in women treatment is free and can be completed online. It is important to note that it cannot replace a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often experience a change in their lives that increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success in work and school and help them to become more aware of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support group or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.