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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at work. Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them like spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different times. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. But they can still hinder relationships, work and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's crucial to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are. ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. 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 cutting or burning or experiencing sleep problems. It's important to note that the symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be misinterpreted as signs of depression, and your lapses of memory and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's “female traits.” While these differences can be a source of frustration There are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping mechanisms. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. 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 can also struggle to be diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who have ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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 important to have experienced these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions about your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, including close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to create an evaluation report that you can read. In certain cases, an evaluator may decide that you do not have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although minor or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They may exclude the condition, when you have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms. If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for an appointment. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations. Treatment While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men, it also affects a significant number of women. It is harder for women to get treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments. Females who suffer from ADHD may also be pressured to conform to different social norms. They might be expected by society to take care of their children, play different roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations and also 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 medicines that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken in the right dose. There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can aid. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will help them prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This can lead to health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as eating too much. Symptoms may also change throughout the course of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help determine the most common ADHD symptoms in women. It also 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that it cannot replace an evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in work and school and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. women and adhd can be achieved by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.