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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause. Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's crucial to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you behave or what kind of person you are. The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ from person to person, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have trouble managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women experience emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping. It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. In addition, some societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. If you're a female with ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered “female characteristics.” These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps that you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety, 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 disguise them. Women also may be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” You must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed with ADHD. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It is also important to have had these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, too, such as the behavior rating scale. adult add women will review your past and ask questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, including 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 the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can test you for ADHD. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions. Treatment Although ADHD is more common for males and boys however, it affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable work in noisy environments. check here suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be required by society to take care of their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders 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 medicines that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the correct dosage is being used. In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing a plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, and if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate. Support Women with ADHD are often overlooked. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This could 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. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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 keep in mind that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often find that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also important. You can achieve this by joining a support system or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.