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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can play a role. Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them like spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD can be different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. But they can still hinder relationships, work, and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what kind of person you are. The signs of ADHD in women can vary among individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. In addition, many women experience emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping. It's important to know that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy or going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating however there are steps that you can take to get the support and help you require. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD can benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from 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 crucial to have the history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses. You must also have an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely take psychological tests as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, like close friends and family members. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare a report for you. In certain instances, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They could exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms. Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent in males and boys. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments. Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected by society to look after their children, take on different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management. Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose. There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can help. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the specificity of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. When developing an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and should there be any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow 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 concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully things are changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are more aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. add adult women was created specifically for women and it uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It helps identify the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provides information 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The test can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently find that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support system or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.