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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play. Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various time points. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal changes. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It is important to remember, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your behavior or personality. The signs of ADHD in women can vary from person to person however the most frequent are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble with paying attention or finishing tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems. It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings can be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating however there are steps that you can follow to get the assistance and support you need. It's always recommended to begin with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also work with a career counsellor or join an online support group. It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may be a result of the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed 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 important to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should 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 in order to be considered a diagnosis. You should also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You may also be asked to take psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, such as close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create the report you need. In some instances the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although mild or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. read this article may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations. Treatment Although ADHD is more common for males and boys however, it affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to get treatment because they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments. Females who live with ADHD may also be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They may be required by society to take care of their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations, and medication treatment. Stimulant drugs are usually the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). click here for more -stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the right dosage. There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatment options might be best for you. When determining the treatment plan the doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their specific symptoms. ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps determine the most common ADHD symptoms in 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. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment find that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at school and at work and help them to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.