ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play.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 those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms.
The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. But they can still interfere with relationships, work, and life in general.
Symptoms
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you act or what kind of person you are.
ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble in focusing or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling anxious and agitated all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or go through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as "female characteristics."
These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's best to begin by talking with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping methods. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group.
It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to hide them to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
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's also important to have the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two environments like work or home. In addition the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis.
You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, including close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare an evaluation report for you.
In some cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms aren't severe or very 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 conditions such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. 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 recommendations.
adult add in women I Am Psychiatry
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men, it also affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to receive treatment since they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They might be expected to care for their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those who have impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on the specificity of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. When determining an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.
Support
Women with ADHD are often overlooked. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.
ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This tool was specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details 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 screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success in work and school and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also essential. You can do this by joining a support group or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.