ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them such as spouses, siblings, or friends to assess symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. However, adhd in women adults can also hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps you can follow to get the help and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care physician and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counselor or join an online support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and may include medications like stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Women can also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive a diagnosis of 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 crucial to have had these symptoms before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You'll likely take psychological tests, too, such as the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In certain cases an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can test you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be expected to take care of their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those who have impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also factor in the effects of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will help them determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It helps identify 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 and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school, and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support system or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.