ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well like spouses, siblings, or friends to assess the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's crucial to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you act or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women vary in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can take to receive the support and help you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group.
adhd symptoms in adult women to note that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any other conditions you might have, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
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 essential to have had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 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 have to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You may be required to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, such as family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create an evaluation report for you.
In some cases an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They may rule out the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys however, it has a significant impact on women. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They might be expected by society to look after their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the correct dosage.
There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can aid. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming the treatment 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 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 allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. Scores are calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The test can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently find that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support system or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.