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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient — like spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general. Symptoms Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you behave or what you're like. The signs of ADHD for women may differ between individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping. It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a part of the woman's “female characteristics.” These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician who can refer to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” 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 had these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally, 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, like seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, too for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, like close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to look over. In some instances an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though slight or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety. Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance provider or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD 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 receive treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments. Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They could be expected by society to take care of their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management. Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being administered. In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing the plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as 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 also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like eating too much. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms in women and provide information that can be shared with a physician. 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 adhd in women checklist , a score will be calculated to determine the severity of symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for a full evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their life quality is greatly improved. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success in work and school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.