ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. However, they can affect relationships, work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of insecurity. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties 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 for women may differ between individuals but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. In addition, societal attitudes about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are observed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
While add symptoms in adult women can be a source of frustration, there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create better strategies for dealing with stress. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed 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 crucial to have had these symptoms prior to the time you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two environments like working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The evaluator may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need.
In some cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They could rule out the condition, if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are seeking a physician who can test you for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They may be required by society to look after their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those who have hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. 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). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being taken.
In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When determining an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you might have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully it is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as eating too much. The symptoms may change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provides 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently find that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and at school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.