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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role. Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with the way you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are. The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ between individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble in focusing or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. In adhd in adult women symptoms , many women experience emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or go through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness might be seen as “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating There are ways to get the help and support you need. It's best to start with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with an expert in career counseling or join a support group. It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD could be incorrectly identified 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's also important to have the history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. The second requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two settings such as work or home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis. You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need. In certain instances the evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They might decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms. Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance provider or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations. Treatment Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females however, it affects a large number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males because of the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments. Women suffering from ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be expected to care for their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being taken. In addition to medication, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can aid. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatments may be appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating a plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. The symptoms may alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms 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. A score is calculated, which indicates 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 remember that it cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at the workplace and in school and help them understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.