ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can affect relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of insecurity. It is important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character.
The signs of ADHD for women may differ among individuals but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You may also experience trouble in focusing or working on tasks, causing difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious all the time. Many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating There are ways to get the help and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping methods. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or figured out how to hide them. Women can also be more difficult to get 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 essential to have had these symptoms since before you turned 12. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two environments such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, including family members and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to write an evaluation report for you.
In some cases the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger 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 you for ADHD. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university 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
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be expected by society to take care of their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. For this reason, it is crucial for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders 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 medications that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the appropriate dose.
In adhd in women treatment to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing the treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This also means women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in adhd in older women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a health professional. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provides 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. A score is calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The test can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.