ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria can play a part in.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious all the time or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems.
It's important to know that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or going through menopause. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior may affect whether a person's symptoms are noticed. For adhd in women checklist , if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as part of a woman's "female traits."
While these differences are frustrating There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to hide them to cope. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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's also important to have a history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, too, such as the behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, including family members and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to prepare the report you need.
In some cases, an evaluator may conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to seek treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who live with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They might be required by society to look after their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive, 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 to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being used.
There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can aid. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination treatment. When developing the treatment plan your doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, as well as if there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will enable them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of the symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details 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. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The test can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at school and at work and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also essential. You can do this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.