ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them like spouses or siblings to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you behave or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. There are also issues with paying attention or working on tasks, causing trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming anxious and agitated all the time. Many women experience emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be interpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female qualities."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps you can take to get the support and help you require. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer to a mental health professional for an evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any other issues you may have like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up as a means of coping. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD might 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's also important to have the history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two environments such as 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 any medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well for example, a checklist or behavior rating scale. The evaluator may ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also request that you speak with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In some instances an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females however, it has a significant impact on women. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various social norms. They could be expected to care for their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. When developing the treatment plan the doctor will take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. adhd in adult women treatment will also consider any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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. Scores are calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.