ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to look into the the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. They can impact relationships as well as work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember that these difficulties do not come from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious constantly or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up as a means of coping. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of 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 the history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too like an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The evaluator will look at your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to go through.
In certain instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although mild or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
If you want to find an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD affects many women, even though it is more prevalent in boys and men. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They could be expected by society to look after their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication management.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the correct dosage is being taken.
There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for depression and anxiety. attention deficit in women are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, as well as whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this 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 cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like eating too much. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women and provide 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. A score is calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work, and help them understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. You can achieve this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with experience working with women.