ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary among individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, be in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings can be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female qualities."
While these differences are frustrating, there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's best to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping methods. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It's also crucial to talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to mask them to cope. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed 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 is also essential to have a the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two different settings such as at home or at work. In addition the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. adhd symptoms in women test who evaluates you will use their findings to create a report for you.
In some cases an evaluator might determine 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 may decide to rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common in males and females but it also affects a large number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. 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 taken in the right dose.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be helpful. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking 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.
Based on your specific situation A combination of treatments could be best for you. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully things are changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are more aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a health professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details 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 indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for an assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their quality of life improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach with experience working with women.