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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. The gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor. Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can still affect relationships, work, and life generally. Symptoms Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or personality. ADHD symptoms in women differ in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Additionally, many women experience emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like cutting or burning themselves, or are unable to sleep. It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as during menopausal. In addition, societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. For instance women with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's “female qualities.” These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support. It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include 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 could be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to mask them to cope. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD might 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's also important to have the history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis. You must also have an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, too like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, like close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce a report that you can look over. In some cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety. If you're looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations. Treatment While ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments. Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be required by society to take care of their children, perform different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also medication treatment. high functioning adhd in women are typically 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, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered. In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD. Based on your particular situation, a combination of treatment options might be best for you. When developing a treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are more aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis. A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help identify women's most prevalent 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 tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.