ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can interfere with relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of insecurity. It's important to remember that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining relationships. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to note, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration However, there are steps that you can take to get the help and support you require. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician who can refer to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and may include medications such as stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
To receive a diagnosis of 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 is also important to have experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for a period of 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 seizures. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests like the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write the report you need.
In certain instances the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for a referral. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more common among males and females. It is harder for women to get treatment because they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be required by society to care for their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. 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). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure that it is taken in the correct dosage.
There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When developing a treatment plan the doctor will consider factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. treatment for adhd in women can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This means that women are denied 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 particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life situations 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 shared to 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success at work and school and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.