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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. The gender bias and outdated criteria may play a role. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who are familiar with the patient — such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can interfere with relationships, work and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to do with do with your actions or character. The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty focusing. There are also issues with paying attention or working on tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior could affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be mistaken for signs 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 steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's best to start with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It's important to know 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 underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may be unable to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” You must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed with ADHD. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It's also important to have an history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is that you suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two different settings like work or home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You should also undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests, such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner will review your past experiences and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They may also talk with people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to read. In certain instances the evaluator might decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. If you want to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for recommendations. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. adhd in older women can also contact your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations. Treatment ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more common among males and boys. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they conceal 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 pressured to conform to different social expectations. They might be required by society to look after their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is essential for women with these symptoms to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management. 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 drugs atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the correct dosage. There are numerous ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD. Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be the best option for you. When developing an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need 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 prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are better aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as depression or anxiety and can delay a diagnosis. A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help women identify their most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details 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. A score is calculated, which shows 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 remember that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and also allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also crucial. You can achieve this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with expertise working with women.