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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may play a role. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient — such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. But adhd in women adults can still hinder relationships, work, and life in general. Symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you act or what you're like. The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ from person to person however the most frequent are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, be in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless constantly or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. In addition, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping. It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during 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 swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as a sign of “female traits.” Although these issues can be frustrating There are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join a support group. It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. adult add women can be a challenge to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” 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 is also crucial to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you reached the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis. You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well for example, a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, including family members and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce a report that you can read. In certain instances the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They might decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms. Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent in boys and men. It is harder for women to receive treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments. Women with ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They may be expected by society to take care of their children, perform different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being taken. In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle strategies that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies like eating too much. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a health professional. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms for women and provide 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically experience a change in their lives that improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.