ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient -- like spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
This Webpage can alter at different time points. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life generally.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to know that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or go through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're a female with ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating but there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD can benefit from improving their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any other conditions you might have like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed 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 essential to have a a history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings like working or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, too for example, the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, including family and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write a report for you.
In certain instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while minor or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
If you're looking for an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common in boys and men however, it has a significant impact on women. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD may also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They could be expected by society to look after their children, take on different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the right dosage.
There are many ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating a plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as if there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal 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 focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This 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 the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms for women and provide information that can be shared 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a full evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at school and at work and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. You can do this by joining a support group or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.