ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. They can impact relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It's crucial to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you behave or what you're like.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ from person to person but the most typical are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It's important to note, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as during menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating There are steps you can take to get the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician who can refer to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to 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 childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who have ADHD might 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 important to have had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You must also have a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will review your history and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to talk to people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to write the report you need.
In certain instances, the evaluator will conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider 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 for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in males and females however, it affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to seek treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females with ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They could be expected by society to look after their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and also medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully it 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 problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and it uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on to 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 shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free and can be completed online . It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success at work and school, and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.