ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause.
Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of despair. It's important to remember, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to do with your actions or personality.
The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ from person to person however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, be in trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
It's important to know that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can follow to get the support and help you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician, who can refer to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from improving their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any medical issues you may have like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to cope. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with 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 important to have experienced these symptoms before you turned 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two different settings such as at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis.
It is also necessary to undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You may be required to take psychological tests, such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They may also talk to people who know you well, including family and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can read.
In some instances the evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though slight or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent among males and females. It is harder for women to receive treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Females who live with ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different social norms. They could be required by society to take care of their children, perform multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is crucial for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being used.
There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating the treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to concentrate.
high functioning adhd in women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms for women. It also provides 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 indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The test can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living improves significantly. high functioning adhd in women can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.