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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work. Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well, such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to look into the their symptoms. The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can hinder 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 very frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these issues do not come from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character. The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. In addition, many women experience emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping. signs of adhd in women 's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered “female characteristics.” While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental health professional for evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group. It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to hide them as a means of coping. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” 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 important to have an history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two different settings such as work or home. In addition the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months to qualify as a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You'll likely take psychological tests, too, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The evaluator may ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to speak with people who know you, like close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can read. In certain cases, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They might decide to rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions. Treatment Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys however, it has a significant impact on women. It is harder for women to receive treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to being unable to work in noisy or busy environments. Females who suffer from ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social expectations. They may be required by society to look after their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms 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 medicines can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being used. In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD. Based on the specificity of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. When developing an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will consider aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately things are changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and help them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.