ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them, such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess their symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues 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 differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, getting into trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting 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 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 menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could 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 misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness may be considered "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Some women suffering from ADHD are also benefited by improving their organization skills and create better strategies for dealing with stress. They may 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 of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who have ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To receive a diagnosis 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 is also essential to have a an history of these symptoms starting before you were 12. The other requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two environments such as at home or at work. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and how you handled your symptoms. They might also request that you speak with people who know you, like close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to look over.
In certain cases an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although mild or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for recommendations. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys however, it affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to receive treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be required by society to care for their children, take on different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. 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). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a physician to ensure that the right dose is being taken.
There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices 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 that can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. When determining a treatment plan your doctor will consider aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This can result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully it is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD, and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can delay a proper diagnosis.
high functioning adhd in women has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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 indicates the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to note that it cannot replace the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and also allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.