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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause. Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who are familiar with the patient — like spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different times. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal changes. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's crucial to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you behave or what kind of person you are. The signs of ADHD in women can differ from person to person however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Women may even engage in 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 can be different at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a sign of “female traits.” While these differences can be a source of frustration, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organization skills and create better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up to cope. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who have ADHD might 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 essential to have had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two environments, such as working or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, including family members and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to create a report that you can read. In certain cases, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They may exclude 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 who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for a referral. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD affects many women, even though it is more common among males and females. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments. Women with ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be expected by society to take care of their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments and also medication treatment. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure that it is taken in the right dosage. In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can aid. Techniques for managing stress as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to focus. Support Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. attention deficit disorder in women means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support group or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.