ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal changes. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you behave or what you're like.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary from person to person but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You may also experience trouble with paying attention or working on tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep.
It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female characteristics."
These issues can be frustrating however there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's best to start with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also talk to an expert in career counseling or join an online support group.
It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and it can include medications such as 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 as a child or learned to disguise them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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 that began before you were 12. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two environments such as work or home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You may also be asked to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will review your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who know you, including family members and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to read.
In some cases, the evaluator will conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They may decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men but it also affects a large number of women. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. adhd in women checklist can range from not remembering appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments.
Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different social expectations. They might be expected by society to look after their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a physician to ensure that the correct dosage is being taken.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Stress management techniques, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. When determining the treatment plan your doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead to health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This also means women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from.
ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms may alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provides 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 that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The test can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for an assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment notice that their quality of life improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at school and at work, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.