ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. But they can still interfere with relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to do with your actions or character.
ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or experience difficulty sleeping.
signs of add in adult women to know that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as during menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be 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 who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any underlying conditions you might have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, like family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to write an evaluation report that you can go through.
In certain instances the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They might exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD may also feel pressure to meet different social norms. inattentive add in women might be expected to care for their children, juggle many roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being used.
There are numerous ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. The symptoms may alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. 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 women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.