ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well like spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various times. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. They can affect relationships, work, and life in general.
adhd in adults women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as cutting or burning, or have trouble sleeping.
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
These issues can be frustrating however there are steps you can follow to get the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician, who can refer to an expert in mental health for evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive add and adhd in women 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 is also important to have experienced these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You may be required to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, such as family members and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can look over.
In some instances an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent among males and females. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They may be expected by society to care for their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these symptoms to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely 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 symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can aid. Stress management strategies as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating anxiety and depression, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination treatment. When creating an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will consider aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and should there be any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms that women and girls experience. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be shared to 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The test can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at work and school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. You can do this by joining a support network or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.