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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be the cause. Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different times. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember that these problems are not a result of you and have nothing to do with be related to your behavior or personality. The signs of ADHD in women can vary from person to person but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, be in trouble at school or at work and feel anxious or restless all the time or have trouble managing your finances or keeping 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 note that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social attitudes regarding gender and behavior could influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as “female characteristics.” Although these issues can be frustrating but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental health professional for evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping methods. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to disguise them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” To receive a diagnosis of 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 essential to have a the history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You may be required to take psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions regarding your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to create an evaluation report for you. In certain instances the evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and don't hinder your daily activities. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Ask your primary care physician 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 a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments. Females who suffer from ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They could be expected by society to look after their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is crucial that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations and also medication management. Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant drugs. 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). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose. There are many lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a plan. They will also take into consideration 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 consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their specific symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits like eating too much. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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. Scores are 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 note that it is not a substitute for an assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When adhd in older women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at work and school and help them to learn to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.