ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role

Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work.

Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who know the patient well -- such as spouses, siblings or friends -- to assess symptoms.

Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different time points. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can still affect relationships as well as 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 very frustrating and lead to feelings of insecurity. It's important to remember that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or character.

ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, causing trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems.

It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as "female characteristics."

These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group.

It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

Adults may struggle to get an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to hide them as a means of coping. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have adhd traits in women could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."

To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you must meet certain criteria. 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 since before you turned 12. The other requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two settings such as working or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months in order to be considered 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 could be required to take psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator will look at your past and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, like close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can look over.

In some cases the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They may exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms.

If you're looking for an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations.

Treatment

While ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments.

Females who live with ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They might be expected to take care of their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is important for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication management.

Stimulant medications are typically the first choice 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 atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the appropriate dosage.

In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can help some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.

Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination treatment. When determining the treatment plan the doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Medications can help to improve your mood and your ability to focus.

Support

Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms.

ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as eating too much. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis.

The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult adhd screening women. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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 reflects the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an adhd symptoms in adult women consultation.

When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and allow them to better understand themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support group or finding a coach who has experience working with women.