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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. undiagnosed adhd in women towards gender and outdated criteria can play a role. Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them such as spouses siblings, friends, or family members to look into the symptoms. The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can affect relationships, work, and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you act or what kind of person you are. The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary from person to person, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or keeping relationships. Additionally, many women experience emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. Women may even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping. It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopause. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating There are ways to get the help and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and create better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain requirements. 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 you were 12 years old. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, as well like a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to prepare the report you need. In some instances the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms are not severe or very specific, and they don't affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD affects many women, even though it is more common among males and boys. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments. Females who suffer from ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social expectations. They could be required by society to look after their children, play various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women with these signs to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the right dosage. In addition to medication in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Women may find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms when creating a plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as whether 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 your menstrual period as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct dosage and type of medication to you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on males and females. This can result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis. A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details 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 will be calculated that reflects the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and help them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be achieved by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.