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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who know the patient well — like spouses, siblings or friends — to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. However, they can also affect relationships, work and life generally. Symptoms Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality. The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating however there are steps that you can take to get the support and help you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support. It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any underlying issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who have 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 is also crucial to have experienced these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The symptoms must cause significant problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to look over. In some cases the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although mild or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They may exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms. If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate you for ADHD, ask your primary doctor for an appointment. 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 find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD affects many women, yet it is more prevalent in males and boys. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment since they tend to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments. Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected to take care of their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be a challenge for women who suffer from impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations, and also medication management. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being used. In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. treatment for adhd in women from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with anxiety and depression, which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD. Based on your specific situation A combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing the treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate. Support Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like eating too much. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This tool was specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be shared to 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 is calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them for success at work and school and help them understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with experience working with women.