ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. But they can still hinder relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's crucial to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what kind of person you are.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ among individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, be in trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which 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 differences can be frustrating however there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. 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 the treatment for men, and may include medications such as stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed with ADHD. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It is also essential to have had these symptoms before you turned 12. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two environments, such as working or at home. In adhd in women signs , the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also speak to people who know you well, including family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create an evaluation report that you can look over.
In certain cases, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although slight or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical 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, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They may be expected to care for their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating anxiety and depression, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. When determining the treatment plan your doctor will consider factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are add in women test for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of the symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This tool was designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among 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 shows 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 it's not a replacement for an evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work, and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.