ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could be a factor.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or family members to look into the symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. They can affect relationships at work, as well as 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 can cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to remember that these issues do not come from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your behavior or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be mistaken for signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female traits."
These issues can be frustrating However, there are steps that you can follow to get the assistance and support you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any medical conditions you might have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to hide them to cope. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. 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 is also crucial to have experienced these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well like an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, like family members and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to create an evaluation report that you can read.
In some cases, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. adhd in adult women treatment could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check 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 for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys however, it affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be expected to care for their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations, and also medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the appropriate dosage.
In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatment options might be appropriate for you. When developing a treatment plan your doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence 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 a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work 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 a coach with expertise working with women.