ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different time points. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people 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 despair. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, getting into difficulties at work or school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or going through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps you can take to receive the assistance and support you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from improving their organization skills and create better coping strategies. You can also talk to a career counselor or join a support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to cover them up to cope. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 the history of these symptoms beginning before you were 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 least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could be required to take psychological tests such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner will review your history and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The results of the evaluator will be used to write an evaluation report that you can read.
In some instances the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and they don't interfere with daily functioning. Or, add and adhd in women might rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you're looking to find an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities to find 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. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different social expectations. They may be expected by society to care for their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually 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, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the correct dosage is being used.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. When creating an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, as well as should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow 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 often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout various stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. add women was designed specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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 test can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at work and school and help them understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.