ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria may play a role.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can impact relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or personality.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ between individuals, but the most common are disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings can be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female qualities."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can follow to get the assistance and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. adhd in women signs with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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's also crucial to have an history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two different settings, such as working or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare a report for you.
In some cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while mild or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common in males and females, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males because of the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various social norms. They could be expected to take care of their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations and also medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can help. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also factor in the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms that women and girls experience. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies like eating too much. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women and 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 reveals the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The test can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to note that it cannot replace the complete assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment find that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.