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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well — like spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to remember, however, that these issues do not come from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or character. ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopausal. 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 and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating but there are ways to receive the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Some women suffering from ADHD are also benefited by learning how to improve their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also talk to an expert in career counseling or join a support group. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to hide them 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 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 essential to have experienced these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two environments like at home or at work. Additionally the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner will take a look at your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request to speak to people who know you well, such as close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to go through. In some cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms. Ask your primary care physician for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, yet it is more common among males and females. It is harder for women to get treatment because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments. Females with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different societal expectations. They might be required by society to care for their children, play different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be a challenge for those with impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is important that women with these symptoms undergo regular psychiatric assessments and also medication management. Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the appropriate dosage. There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. When creating the treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and should there be any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This can result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of the symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, 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 uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms for women. undiagnosed adhd in women provides 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 on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their quality of life improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and help them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining a support group or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.