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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender bias and outdated criteria may be a factor. Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them, such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess their symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can interfere with relationships, work and life generally. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of insecurity. It's important to remember that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with be related to your behavior or personality. ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. There are also issues with paying attention or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group. It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medication such as stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” 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 is also important to have experienced these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by symptoms in two different settings 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 have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. adhd in women signs could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create a report that you can go through. In some cases an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and they don't interfere with daily functioning. They could exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms. If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist 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 members for recommendations. Treatment ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent among males and females. It is harder for women to get treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments. Women with ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations, and also 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 medications can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the correct dose. There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD. Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatment options might be appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and whether there are any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to improve your mood and your ability to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. Symptoms can also vary during different phases of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of the symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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 to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.