ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role.
Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient — such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can still affect relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It is important to remember that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or character.
The symptoms of adhd in women test in women can differ between individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, get into trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep.
It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of women’s lives due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you’re female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as “female characteristics.”
While these differences can be a source of frustration, there are ways 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 an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join an online support group.
It’s important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with adhd inattentive type women 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 is also essential to have experienced these symptoms before you turned 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two different settings, such as work or home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.
You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You’re likely to undergo psychological tests as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, including family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create a report that you can read.
In some cases an evaluator could determine that you don’t have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although minor or specific, don’t interfere with your daily functioning. They may decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
If you’re looking to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in adhd screening for women. You can also call your insurance company or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is harder for women to get treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women suffering from ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, juggle many tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.
There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Based on your specific situation A combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also factor in the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help identify women’s most frequent 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool can’t replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at school and at work, and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an adhd in young women coach who has worked with female clients.