ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them, such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can also hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ among individuals however the most frequent are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, be in trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems.
It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating There are ways to get the assistance and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and can include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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's also crucial to have an history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two different settings like at home or at work. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You should also undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to prepare a report for you.
In some instances the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although minor or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. More methods may decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. You can also call 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 members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent among males and females. It is harder for women to receive treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD may also be under pressure to meet various social norms. They may be expected to look after their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women with these symptoms to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. 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), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. When developing an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will consider aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might 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 throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can lead to health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. This also means women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provide information that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also important. You can do this by joining a support group or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.