ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may play a role.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can also hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you act or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women experience emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or go through menopausal. Additionally, certain social attitudes regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as "female characteristics."
These issues can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications like stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD may be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To be diagnosed with 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's also important to have an history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two environments such as work or home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You may be required to take psychological tests, such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also speak to people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The evaluator will use their findings to create a report for you.
In some instances an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and don't hinder your daily activities. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
If you're looking for an expert to test you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary care physician for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in males and females however, it affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various social norms. They could be expected to care for their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be a challenge for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is administered at the right dose.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and whether there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. adult adhd in women will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating too much. Symptoms can also vary during different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. Based on adult adhd in women , a score will be calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often find that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success in work and school, and help them understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. You can achieve this by joining a support system or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.