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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role. Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate their symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can also affect relationships, work, and life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or personality. The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ among individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also experience trouble with paying attention or completing tasks, causing difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated constantly. Many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping. It's important to know that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and during menopause. In addition, societal attitudes about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood changes may be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's “female qualities.” While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are ways to receive the help and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Some women suffering from ADHD can benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and may include medications like stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any other conditions you might have, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” To receive a diagnosis of 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. adhd traits in women is also crucial to have had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, too, such as the behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask to talk to people who know you well, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write a report for you. In some instances an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They may exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which can cause similar symptoms. If you're looking for a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent among boys and men. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they mask 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 could be expected to look after their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women with these symptoms to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken at the correct dosage. There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to focus. Support Women with ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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 symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their life quality is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also essential. You can achieve this by joining a support group or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.