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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor. Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can also hinder relationships, work, and life generally. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or character. The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ between individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming anxious and agitated constantly. In addition, many women experience emotional stress, including mood shifts and a negative self image. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in women's lives due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness may be considered “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating, there are steps you can take to get 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 for evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group. It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD might be incorrectly identified as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” You must meet certain criteria 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 the history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two settings such as working or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests such as 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 know you, such as close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to go through. In certain instances the evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though minor or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They may rule out the condition, when you have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms. If you want to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations. Treatment Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females, it also has a significant impact on women. 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 being able appointments or being unable work in noisy environments. Women with ADHD may feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected by society to look after their children, perform multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is crucial that women with these symptoms undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and also medication management. Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is administered at the correct dose. There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can help. Techniques to manage stress such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the specificity of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When creating a treatment plan your doctor will consider aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health problems you might have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your ability and mood to focus. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay the diagnosis. A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms among women and provide 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. A score is calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. adhd in young women is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and help them to better understand themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.