ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well such as spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different time points. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. But they can still interfere with relationships, work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you act or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. There are also issues in focusing or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. In addition, societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness may be considered "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating but there are ways to get the help and support you require. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join an online support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an diagnosis for ADHD. The symptoms you experience may be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who have ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive adhd in young women 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's also crucial to have the history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two environments like work or home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You'll likely take psychological tests as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also ask you to speak with people who know you, including close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce the report you will be able to go through.
In certain cases, an evaluator may conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while slight or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They might rule out the condition, when you have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in boys and men, it also affects a large number of women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD may also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They may be expected to take care of their children, juggle many roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the appropriate dosage.
In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, and whether there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women and utilizes real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for an assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and help them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.
