ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different times. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. They can affect relationships as well as work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. But, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women differ and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or go through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior could influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can follow to get the help and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD can benefit from improving their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also talk to an expert in career counseling or join a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications like stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you could have learned to mask them as a means of coping. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive a diagnosis 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's also crucial to have the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two environments like working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also speak to people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need.
In certain cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're looking to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also affects a large number of women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able 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 could be required by society to take care of their children, perform different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. 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 must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the correct dose.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This also means women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay the diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women and provide information that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on 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 cannot replace a full evaluation of your situation. adhd in women symptoms is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success at school and at work, and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.