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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may play a role. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who know the patient well — such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different periods. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can interfere with relationships, work, and life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you act or what you're like. ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, get into difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping. It's important to know that the symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as during menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could affect whether a person's symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's “female characteristics.” Although these issues can be frustrating but there are ways to get the assistance and support you require. It's best to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support. It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men, and can include medication such as stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” To receive a diagnosis of 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 important to have had these symptoms since before you turned 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to take psychological tests such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also speak to people who know you well, like family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create a report that you can look over. In some instances, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. If you're looking to find an expert to test you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check with local university-based hospitals to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions. Treatment While ADHD is more common in boys and men but it also affects a large number of women. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments. Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They could be expected to look after their children, juggle many tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is crucial for women suffering from these conditions to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that can be used in lieu of stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is taken at the right dosage. In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can be helpful. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the specificity of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. When determining a treatment plan the doctor will take into account factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you might have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to stabilize your mood and improve your ability to focus. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately it is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can lead to difficulties with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can affect the severity of the symptoms. adhd in women checklist could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which can further delay an accurate diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for an evaluation of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, assist them in achieving success at work and at school, and allow them to better understand themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.