ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well, such as spouses or siblings to look into the the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. However, they can also affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It's crucial to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you act or what kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ from person to person but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, causing difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like cutting or burning, or have trouble sleeping.
adhd traits in women is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's best to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create better strategies for dealing with stress. They could benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from 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 important to have an history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You'll likely take psychological tests as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also talk with people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create a report for you.
In certain instances, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They may be expected to care for their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations and also medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the correct dosage is being used.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can help some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation A combination of treatment options might be best for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are more aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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 your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it cannot replace the complete assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and also allow them to better understand themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.