ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.
Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can also interfere with relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's crucial to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also experience trouble in focusing or working on tasks, causing difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated all the time. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like cutting or burning, or have trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could 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 forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
adhd test for women can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to receive the support and help you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary doctor, who can refer 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. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and may include medications like stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any medical conditions you might have like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD might be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
You must meet certain criteria 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 had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 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 minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses.
It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely be required to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator will look at your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, like close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce the report you will be able to go through.
In some cases, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who live with ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They may be expected by society to look after their children, perform multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also medication treatment.
Stimulant drugs are usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose.
There are many ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can aid. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. When creating a treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, and 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 or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression which could delay the diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provide information 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. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation 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 dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.