ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients 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 time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Web Site and symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, be in trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. For instance women with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female traits."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from improving their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with 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 experienced these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator will look at your past and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, like close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can look over.
In some instances an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They might decide to rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent among males and females. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, and if there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will help them determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This also means women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully it is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also important. You can achieve this by joining a support group or finding a coach with experience working with women.