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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often not diagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria can be a factor. Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to look into the their symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can also affect relationships, work and life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with your behavior or personality. The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble with paying attention or completing tasks, getting into trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious all the time. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep. It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times in 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 are going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be interpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's “female qualities.” While these differences can be a source of frustration, there are steps you can take to get the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also consult with a career counselor or join an online support group. It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any other conditions you might have, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD may be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” To receive a diagnosis of ADHD you must meet certain criteria. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It's also crucial to have an history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may 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 ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, like close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare the report you need. In some cases an evaluator could determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though slight or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety. If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for an appointment. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more prevalent in boys and men. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments. Females who suffer from ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different social norms. They may be expected to care for their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is administered at the correct dosage. There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can aid. adhd symptoms in adult women for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully it is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women. It also provides 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 your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at work and school and help them to understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.