ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can also interfere with relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what you're like.
ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. There are also issues with paying attention or finishing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or have difficulty sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as during menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
Although these issues can be frustrating There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. 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 had these symptoms before you turned 12. The symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
adhd in adult women test will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to create an evaluation report that you can look over.
In certain instances the evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment because they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be required by society to take care of their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
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 medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and 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 a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms when creating a plan. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, as well as whether there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms that women and girls experience. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as eating too much. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences 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 passed on 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 screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't 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 often find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support group or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.