ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to assess their symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. However, they can also affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of insecurity. However, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you act or what kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ among individuals however the most frequent are apathy, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, causing trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like cutting or burning, or have trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. In addition, societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating however there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to talk to your doctor about any other issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD might 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 important to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two settings like at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam 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 an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, including close friends and family members. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to write a report for you.
In some instances the evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
While 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 tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be required by society to look after their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can help some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms when creating the plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as 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 as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. Also, add test for women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It helps to identify the most prevalent 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for a full evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.