ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria could play a part in.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. But they can still affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to do with your actions or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ from person to person, but the most common are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, causing trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women experience emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings can be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of "female qualities."
While these differences are frustrating, there are ways to get the help and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. They could benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and can include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 essential to have a the history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two environments like working or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
You must also have a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. Home might also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, like close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In some cases the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while mild or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They may exclude the condition, when you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent in boys and men. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be expected by society to care for their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the right dosage.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Women may find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing the treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like binge eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for the complete assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their life quality is greatly improved. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and at school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.