ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may play a role.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. But they can still hinder relationships, work and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's crucial to remember that these issues are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you act 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 trouble in focusing or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious all the time. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization 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 need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who have ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain criteria. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. add adult women is also essential to have a a history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings like at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You may be required to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, including family members and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create the report you will be able to look over.
In some cases, the evaluator will conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They may rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are seeking a physician who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men, it also affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different social norms. They could be expected by society to take care of their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken at the correct dose.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming a treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be shared 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 your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to note that it cannot replace the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success at the workplace and in school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. 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 previous experience working with women.