ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them such as spouses or siblings to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. However, they can also affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. 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. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to know that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. In addition, societal attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female traits."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join a support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and may include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To be diagnosed with 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 since before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You'll likely take psychological tests as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also request that you speak with people who know you, like close family members and friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to produce a report that you can go through.
In certain cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They could rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, 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 recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also has a significant impact on women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and 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 can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dosage.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. adult add women and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing the plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as whether there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits like binge eating. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help determine 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. Scores are calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at the workplace and in school and help them understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support group or finding a coach who has experience working with women.