ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could play a part in.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different time points. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal changes. inattentive adhd in women can affect relationships at work, as well as life generally.
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. It is important to remember that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ between individuals however the most frequent are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, be in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women experience emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like burning themselves or cutting themselves or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can follow to get the help and support you require. It's best to begin by talking with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create better strategies for dealing with stress. 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 the same to that for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To be diagnosed with ADHD You must meet certain requirements. 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 to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings like work or home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
You must also have physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too like the behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your past and ask 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 friends and family members. The evaluator will use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In some instances, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although mild or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They can recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys, it also affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to receive treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected by society to care for their children, take on different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is crucial for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being administered.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When developing an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it is not a substitute for an assessment of your condition and should only be utilized 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, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.