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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria could play a role. Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well — such as spouses, siblings or family members — to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can also hinder relationships, work and life generally. Symptoms Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating, and can cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are. The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ among individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping. It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or go through menopausal. In addition, societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” Although these issues can be frustrating, there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any medical issues you may have, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. undiagnosed adhd in women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD might 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 essential to have had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You must also have an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to look over. In certain instances, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They might decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They can recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations. Treatment Although ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys however, it affects a large number of women. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments. Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They might be required by society to care for their children, take on various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the correct dose. In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle strategies that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. When determining an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping for coping, like binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms for 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use 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 should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and in school, and allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. You can do this by joining a support system or finding a coach with previous experience working with women.