ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria may play a role.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different periods. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. They can still affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or character.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are recognized. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female traits."
adult adhd in women can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can take to get the support and help you require. It's best to start with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any other issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD you must meet certain requirements. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It is also essential to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You must also have physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also request that you speak with people who know you, like close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to look over.
In certain instances the evaluator may decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
If you want to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, yet it is more prevalent among males and females. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is crucial for women with these symptoms to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatments may be best for you. When creating the treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will help them determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms that women and girls experience. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping behaviors like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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 will be calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success in the workplace and in school and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.