ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings or family members to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It's important to remember that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to be related to your behavior or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, getting into difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious constantly. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as during menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps you can follow to get the assistance and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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's also important to have the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well for example, a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, including close friends and family members. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In some cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though slight or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact 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 recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in boys and men but it also affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to receive treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using stimulant drugs. 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). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the right dose.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Based on undiagnosed adhd in women of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and uses 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 your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for a full assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and in school, and allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining a support network or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.