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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender bias and outdated criteria may play a role. Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings or family members — to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. However, they can also affect relationships, work, and life generally. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of insecurity. It is important to remember that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character. The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ among individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep. It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” These nuances can be a source of frustration, but there are steps that you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. You can also talk to an expert in career counseling or join an online support group. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It's also crucial to talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed 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 essential to have had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, including close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare the report you need. In certain instances, the evaluator will conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while mild or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. If you're looking for an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They may recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for recommendations. Treatment ADHD affects many women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent among boys and men. However, it's harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. signs and symptoms of adhd in women from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments. Females who live with ADHD may also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They could be required by society to care for their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure that it is taken in the appropriate dose. In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Stress management techniques, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques 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 situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating the plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will help them prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This also means women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are more aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can lead to difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can impact the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay a proper diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women and 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that reflects 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 it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently find that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.