ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these difficulties do not come from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or character.
adhd in adult women in women differ, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have trouble with paying attention or finishing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Women may even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or go through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
Although adhd in adult women can be frustrating but there are ways to get the assistance and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with 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 is also crucial to have had these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You should also undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They may also ask you to speak with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to create the report you need.
In certain instances the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to seek treatment since they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be required by society to look after their children, play various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication management.
Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can aid. Stress management strategies as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When developing the treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately things are changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details 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. Scores are calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace the complete assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success at the workplace and in school and help them understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.