ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria may play a role.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them like spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate their symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different periods. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. They can impact relationships as well as work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of insecurity. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way 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 focusing. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which 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, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
These issues can be frustrating however there are steps you can take to receive the support and help you require. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician who can refer to an expert in mental health for evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to hide them as a means of coping. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. 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's also crucial to have a history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well like the behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, including family members and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create the report you will be able to read.
In certain cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for an appointment. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys however, it affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to seek treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Females with ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They may be expected to look after 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. It is crucial that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. women and adhd from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation A combination of treatments could be best for you. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing the plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can result in healthcare providers and educators missing 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 more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are more aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This tool was designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. 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. Based on your answers, a score is 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 in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When adhd in older women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often experience a change in their lives that increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. You can achieve this by joining a support system or finding a coach who has experience working with women.