ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well, such as spouses or siblings to evaluate the symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different times. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can affect relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of insecurity. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you act or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
While these differences are frustrating, there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to the treatment for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. high functioning adhd in women is important to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. Women can also 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 a "mood disorder."
You must meet certain requirements 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 experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by the 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 should also undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The evaluator will look at your history and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create a report for you.
In some cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They might exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance provider or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, despite the fact that it is more common among boys and men. It is harder for women to seek treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different societal expectations. They may be required by society to care for their children, take on different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). adhd in women treatment -stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure that it is administered at the correct dose.
There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. When determining the treatment plan the doctor will take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook 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 with ADHD, and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can result in difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay the diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This tool was specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on to 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work and help them to learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has worked with female clients.