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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can play a part in. Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess their symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. But they can still affect relationships, work and life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of powerlessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you act or what you're like. The signs of ADHD for women may differ among individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious constantly. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping. It's important to note, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a sign of “female qualities.” Although these issues can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to get the help and support you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join an online support group. It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and can include medication such as stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed 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's also important to have the history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses. You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too for example, the behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also talk with people who know you well, including family and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare an evaluation report for you. In some instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They could exclude the condition, when you have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms. If you want to find an expert to test you for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent in males and boys. However, it's often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. adhd in women signs can range from forgetting appointments to being unable 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, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is essential that women with these symptoms undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the right dose is being used. There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating 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 appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will help them determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. Medications can help to improve your mood and your ability to concentrate. Support Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women, and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It helps 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 your answers, a score will be calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for an assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at the workplace and in school and help them 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 with experience working with female clients.