ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these issues do not come from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. There are adhd in adult women treatment who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a sign of "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can take to get the help and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental health professional for an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counselor or join an online support group.
It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to mask them as a means of coping. 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 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 important to have an history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two different settings, such as working or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask you to speak with people who know you, including family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In some instances, the evaluator will determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Consult adhd symptoms in women adults for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise 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 members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, it affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be required by society to look after their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations, and also medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure that it is taken at the right dose.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women and provide information that can be shared with 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it is not a substitute for an evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success in school and at work and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support network or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.