ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well such as spouses or siblings to look into the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. But they can still hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You may also experience trouble in focusing or completing tasks, causing trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as cutting or burning, or have trouble sleeping.
It's important to note that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. For adhd traits in women , women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or go through menopause. In addition, societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a sign of "female characteristics."
These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to receive the support and help you require. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also work with a career counselor or join a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed 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. It is also essential to have a an history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings like at home or at work. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You should also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You may be required to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They may also talk to people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to produce a report that you can look over.
In some cases the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to seek treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected to care for their children, juggle many roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for those with impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with 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). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Stress management techniques, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation A combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. When creating an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account 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 hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their quality of life improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.