ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various times. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious all the time. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether someone's symptoms are observed. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."
While adhd in women signs are frustrating, there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also work with a career counsellor or join a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. 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 important to have experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two different settings such as working 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 if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You'll likely take psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to speak with people who know you, like close family members and friends. The evaluator will use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In some cases an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although mild or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. Or, adhd in women checklist might rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected by society to take care of their children, take on different 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 undergo regular psychiatric assessments 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 medications that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the right dosage.
There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. When creating an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and whether there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening 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 healthcare professional. It will help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to 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 find that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and allow them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support system or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.