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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often overlooked and untreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play. Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well — like spouses, siblings, or even friends — to assess symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general. Symptoms Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's crucial to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what you're like. ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, getting into trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance women with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating, there are steps you can take to get the help and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary physician who can refer to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and create more effective strategies for coping. You can also consult with an expert in career counseling or join an online support group. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may struggle to get an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain requirements. 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 had these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. The second requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two settings, such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also talk with people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need. In some cases an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety. Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more common among males and females. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments. Women suffering from ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be required by society to take care of their children, take on different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the correct dosage. In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will help them determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis. adhd symptoms in women test to screen for adults with ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms in 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 on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for an assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.