ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
add in women test use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can impact relationships as well as work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with do with your behavior or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues with paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems.
It is important to remember 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 the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or going through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating however there are steps that you can take to get the assistance 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, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.
It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications such as stimulants. It is also essential to talk to your doctor about any other issues you may have like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD could 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 is also crucial to have experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two settings such as at home or at work. In addition the symptoms have to be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well for example, the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your past and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write a report for you.
In some instances an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't hinder your daily activities. They could rule out the condition, when you have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys however, it has a significant impact on women. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women suffering from ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be required by society to take care of their children, take on different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is crucial for women with these symptoms to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment.
Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered.
In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. When developing a treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay a diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adult ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women. It also 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. add in women test are calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often experience a change in their lives that improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.