ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can still affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems.
It's important to know, 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 during menopausal. Additionally, certain social attitudes regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are observed. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like 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 cover them up as a means of coping. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed 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's also crucial to have a history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
add adult women 'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, too like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also talk with people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare a report for you.
In some instances an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They could exclude the condition, when you have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary care physician for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent in males and boys. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being taken.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management strategies as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing an appropriate treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on males and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook 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 more resources for women suffering from ADHD, and they are more aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of 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 adults with ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. The tool has been specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms among 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. Based on add and adhd in women , a score is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also essential 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.