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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play. Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them, such as spouses or siblings to look into the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your behavior or personality. ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, get into 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 experience emotional distress, like mood swings and a negative self-image. Some women commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep. It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ 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 when they go through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and disorganization may be seen as a sign of “female traits.” While these differences are frustrating There are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from improving their organization skills and create better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join an online support group. It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that for men, and it can include medications such as 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 Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain requirements. 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 had these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your history and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, like close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write the report you need. In certain cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and don't hinder your daily activities. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety. If you're looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They may recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations. Treatment While ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to seek treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments. Females who live with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social norms. They could be expected to take care of their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication treatment. Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the appropriate dosage. There are many lifestyle strategies available to help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. 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. Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. When determining an appropriate treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have, as well as any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge-eating. The symptoms may alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. add test for women are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay the diagnosis. A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This tool was designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms 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 will be calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically find their quality of living improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach with expertise working with women.