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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause. Doctors interview patients and consult with those who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to assess their symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. They can impact relationships as well as work and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of insecurity. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are. ADHD symptoms in women vary in severity, but the most frequent symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping. It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy or go through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's “female qualities.” These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to get the help and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to be evaluated. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and develop more effective strategies for coping. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed 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 is also essential to have a an history of these symptoms that began before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by the symptoms in two settings such as working or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely be required to take psychological tests, such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create an evaluation report for you. In adhd in adult women treatment , the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while minor or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety. Consult your primary physician for a referral if are seeking a physician who can assess you for ADHD. They may recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider, or local universities to find a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD affects many women, even though it is more common among males and females. However, it's harder for females to access treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments. Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be required by society to take care of their children, play various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and also medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being used. In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management techniques including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. 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 depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be appropriate for you. When creating a treatment plan your doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, as well as 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 menopause. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can improve your ability and mood to focus. Support Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. Symptoms can also vary during different stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can alter the severity of the symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression and can delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It can help identify women's most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of symptoms. The test can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their life quality is greatly improved. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and in school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or finding a coach with expertise working with women.