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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play. Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well, such as spouses or siblings to assess the symptoms. Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary 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 assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of despair. But, adhd traits in women to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you act or what you're like. The signs of ADHD for women may differ from person to person, but the most common are apathy, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You might also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood shifts and a negative self image. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping. It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or when they go through menopausal. In addition, societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to get the help and support you require. It's best to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join an online support group. It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that of men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. Women can also struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD could 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 starting before the age of 12. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by symptoms in two settings, such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses. It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well like an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your past and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to talk to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to create the report you will be able to read. In some instances an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. If you're looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care specialist who can treat 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 but it also has a significant impact on women. However, it's often more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments. Females who live with ADHD may also be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, take on multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Stimulant medication is usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the right dose. In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Some women find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD. Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing the plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and if there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms may change at different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of the symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adult ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women and 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. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment often find that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success at work and school, and help them understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.