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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor. Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to look into the their symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life generally. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your behavior or personality. ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble with 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 constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women experience emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. For adhd in women , if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a sign of “female qualities.” These differences can be frustrating however there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counselor or join a support group. It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may be unable to receive an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to hide them as a means of coping. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed 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 experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You should also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You may also be asked to take psychological tests such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner will review your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create the report you need. In some instances the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while mild or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could exclude the condition, when you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms. If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations. Treatment While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments. Females who suffer from ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They might be expected by society to look after their children, perform multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive 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 option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the appropriate dosage. There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD. Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatment options might be best for you. When developing an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, as well as should there be any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully it 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 job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details 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. A score is calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at work and school, and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.