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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause. Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient well — like spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. They can still affect relationships at work, as well as life in general. Symptoms Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these issues are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you behave or what kind of person you are. The signs of ADHD for women may differ among individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep. It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior could affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered “female characteristics.” While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are ways to get the help and support you require. It's best to start with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They could benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group. It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any other conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD might be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” To be diagnosed with ADHD you must meet certain criteria. 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 had these symptoms since before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses. You should also undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You will likely be required to take psychological tests such as an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also speak to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to read. In some cases, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. If you're looking to find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for a referral. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments. Females with ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different societal expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. adult adhd symptoms women is important for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. Stimulant medication is usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered. In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle choices that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. When determining an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and if there are any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will help them determine the appropriate type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. Web Site may also change throughout the course of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adult ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide details 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 indicates the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their life quality is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at the workplace and in school and help them to become more aware of 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 with experience working with female clients.