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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could be a factor. Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient — like spouses, siblings, or even friends — to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. But they can still hinder relationships, work and life generally. Symptoms Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to keep in mind that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or character. The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, getting into difficulties at work or school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and becoming anxious and agitated constantly. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping. It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy or going through menopausal. In addition, societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may affect whether a person's symptoms are noticed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as part of a woman's “female qualities.” These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can follow to get the support and help you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group. It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any underlying conditions you might have like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who have ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” 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's also important to have a history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work 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 should also undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, like close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to create a report for you. In some cases an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though minor or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They might rule out the condition, when you have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms. If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for a referral. Recommended Resource site can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for recommendations. Treatment ADHD affects many women, yet it is more prevalent among males and boys. It is harder for women to get treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments. Females who suffer from ADHD may also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They might be expected by society to take care of their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations and medication treatment. Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being taken. In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD. Based on the specificity of your situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing a treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects 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. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are better aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. Web Site are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This tool was specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details 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 to determine the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for a full evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support network or finding a coach with experience working with women.