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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause. Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well like spouses or siblings to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life in general. Symptoms Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of helplessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you act or what you're like. ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping. It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be mistaken for signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's “female qualities.” While these differences can be a source of frustration There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. 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 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 the history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You must also have physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner may ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, such as close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to write a report for you. In some cases the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while slight or specific, don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety. If you're looking to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions. undiagnosed adhd in women is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments. Women suffering from ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected by society to take care of their children, play different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. For this reason, it is crucial for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management. Stimulant medication is usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being administered. There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. high functioning adhd in women include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD. Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating a plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as if there are any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to focus. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this 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, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay a proper diagnosis. A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and uses the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women and 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it's not a replacement for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at work and school, and help them become more aware of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support system or by finding a coach with experience working with women.