ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them like spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the the symptoms.
Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can affect relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating, and can cause feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to have anything to do with your behavior or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, be in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopausal. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a sign of "female qualities."
While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
To be diagnosed with 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's also crucial to have a history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.
It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask to talk to people who know you well, like close family members and friends. The evaluator will use their findings to write the report you need.
In some instances an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They might rule out the condition, when you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
If you're looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They can recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also has a significant impact on women. It is harder for women to seek treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD may also feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They could be expected by society to look after their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can aid. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. When developing an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on males and boys. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in adhd in older women can result in difficulties with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as eating too much. Symptoms may also change at different 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 and can delay a diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. The tool has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women and provide information that can be shared 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. Based on your answers, a score will be calculated to determine 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 it is not a substitute for the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success in school and at work and help them to become more aware of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support network or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.