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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could be a factor. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient — such as spouses, siblings or friends — to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different time points. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. But they can still interfere with relationships, work and life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of despair. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what you're like. ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble with paying attention or finishing tasks, causing trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping. It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior may also affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness may be considered “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating There are ways to receive the help and support you require. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also work with a career counsellor or join a support group. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any underlying issues you may have like depression, anxiety, 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 figured out how to hide them. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who have ADHD may be incorrectly identified 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 a history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You'll likely take psychological tests, too, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, such as close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can look over. In some cases, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression. If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for an appointment. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more prevalent among males and females. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments. Females with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They could be expected to look after their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a physician to ensure that the right dose is being taken. In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be helpful. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues that are associated with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be best for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and should there be any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will help them determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully things are 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 result in difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms may change at different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression which could delay a diagnosis. A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. try these out was designed specifically for women, and uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms in women. It also provides information that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which indicates 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 is not able to substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, prepare them for success in work and school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support network or finding a coach with experience working with women.