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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria may be a factor. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember, however, that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to do with your actions or personality. ADHD symptoms in women differ and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women experience emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep. It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy or go through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. For instance women with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a sign of “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating There are ways to receive the help and support you require. It's best to start with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional for an evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping methods. attention deficit disorder in women may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support. It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and can include medication such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” To be diagnosed with ADHD you must meet certain requirements. 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 a the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two different settings, such as at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis. You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could be required to take psychological tests like the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to create a report that you can go through. In some instances an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and don't hinder your daily activities. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. If you're looking for an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment Although ADHD is more common in males and females, it also has a significant impact on women. It is harder for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments. Females who live with ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different societal expectations. They may be expected to take care of their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for those who have impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment. 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 medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully 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. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. When determining a treatment plan, your doctor will take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account 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 impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow 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 suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. attention deficit disorder in women was specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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 that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it is not a substitute for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining a support system or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.