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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria may be a factor. Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well, such as spouses or siblings to assess the symptoms. The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can affect relationships as well as work and life in general. Symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It is important to keep in mind that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or personality. The signs of ADHD in women can vary from person to person but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, be in trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women experience emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems. It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or going through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Some women suffering from ADHD are also benefited by learning how to improve their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group. It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to mask them as a means of coping. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD could be incorrectly identified 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 is also important to have experienced these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two settings like at home or at work. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis. You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also talk to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can go through. In some instances the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for a referral. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD affects many women, despite the fact that it is more common among males and females. It is harder for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments. Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management. Stimulant medication is usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the correct dosage. There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Stress management strategies and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatments may be appropriate for you. When developing an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also consider the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women and provide 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 will be calculated that reflects the severity of symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. Recommended Resource site is important to note that it is not a substitute for the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.