ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can interfere with relationships, work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you behave or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, getting into trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning themselves or cutting themselves or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be mistaken for signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a sign of "female qualities."
While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. You can also talk to a career counselor or join an online support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could 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 experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You must also have physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid issues 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 review your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, including close friends and family members. The evaluator will use their findings to prepare an evaluation report for you.
In some cases the evaluator may decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They might rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more prevalent among males and boys. However, it's harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments 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 drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can aid. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring 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 take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in add and adhd in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance 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. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides information that can be shared 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 your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often find that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at work and school and help them understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. You can achieve this by joining a support group or finding a coach who has experience working with women.