ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. However, they can interfere with relationships, work and life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to remember that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury such as cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can follow to get the help and support you need. adhd in women signs 's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also talk to an expert in career counseling or join a support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that for men, and may include medications such as stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
You must meet certain criteria 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 since before you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, such as family members and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce the report you will be able to look over.
In some instances an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although mild or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common in males and females but it also has a significant impact on women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD may also be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They might be expected to take care of their children, juggle many roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and 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 should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the appropriate dosage.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based 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 age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms when creating the plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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 reflects the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and also allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support system or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.