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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor. Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them, such as spouses or siblings to assess their symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of powerlessness. It is 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 in women can differ from person to person, but the most common are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble with paying attention or finishing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and becoming anxious and agitated all the time. Many women experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping. It's important to know that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or going through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating but there are ways to get the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed 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 experienced these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two environments like work or home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses. You must also have a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluator will use their findings to write the report you need. In some instances, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They could rule out the condition, if you suffer from other mental health issues, 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 recommendations. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, despite the fact that it is more common among males and females. It is harder for women to receive treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments. Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations and also medication treatment. Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is administered at the right dose. There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD. Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also consider any other health problems you might have, and if there are any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on males and boys. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. treatment for adhd in women may also alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis. A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on to 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. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The test can be completed online and is completely 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. Women with ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and 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 an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.