ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can impact relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble with paying attention or finishing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious all the time. In addition, many women experience emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like cutting or burning 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. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be mistaken for signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a sign of "female traits."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to get the support and help you require. It's best to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and may include medication such as stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to cope. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive add adult women of ADHD you must meet certain criteria. 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 experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two environments, such as at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, including family members and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to read.
In some cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys however, it affects a large number of women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They could be expected to take care of their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a physician to ensure that the correct dosage is being used.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements 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 often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating the plan. They will also consider any other health problems you might have, and should there be any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is usually focused on males and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, this is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay a diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. The tool has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help women identify their most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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 is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatments 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. This can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.