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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often not diagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could play a role. Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient — such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. However, they can also interfere with relationships, work and life generally. Symptoms Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. 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 in women can vary among individuals but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems. It's important to know, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or going through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may also influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be interpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can follow to get the support and help you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician who can refer to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join a support group. It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up to cope. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” 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's also crucial to have an history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to take psychological tests like a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will take a look at your history and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write a report that you can go through. In certain cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, though minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They might rule out the condition, in the event that you have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms. If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD Ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire 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 the members for recommendations. Treatment ADHD is a common problem for women, despite the fact that it is more common among males and females. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments. Women with ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication management. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being used. There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination of treatments. When developing the treatment plan the doctor will consider aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will enable them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your mood and ability to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. adult adhd symptoms women can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as eating too much. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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 is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for an evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. You can do this by joining a support network or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.