ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can impact relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ from person to person but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopausal. In addition, some societal attitudes about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be mistaken for signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain requirements 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 a history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, including family members and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce a report that you can go through.
In certain cases, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They might exclude the condition, when you have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance provider or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. 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 seek treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD may also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They may be expected to care for their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
adhd in adult women symptoms with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the correct dosage.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range 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 also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides information that can be shared 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. Scores are calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.