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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play.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 their symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. They can affect relationships as well as work and life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to remember that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with be related to your behavior or personality. ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble keeping track of your tasks, get into trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. In addition, many women suffer from emotional stress, including mood swings and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems. It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. I Am Psychiatry who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as during menopausal. Additionally, certain social attitudes regarding gender and behavior could influence whether someone's symptoms are observed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating however there are steps that you can follow to get the help and support you need. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning to improve their organization skills and create better strategies for dealing with stress. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” 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 experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12 years old. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two settings like working or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You should also undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You could be required to take psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions regarding your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, including family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to write an evaluation report for you. In some cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and they don't hinder your daily activities. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are seeking a physician who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment While ADHD is more common for males and boys however, it affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment since they tend to 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 may be expected by society to take care of their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be a challenge for those who have hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and 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) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered. In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatment options might be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and should there be any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the impact of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to focus. Support Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms that women and girls experience. It also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms. ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms for women. It also provides information that can be shared with a doctor. 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 can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and allow them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.