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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could play a part in. Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. They can affect relationships as well as work and life generally. Symptoms Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember that these difficulties are not a result of you and have nothing to do with do with your behavior or personality. The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ from person to person however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have difficulty staying focused or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work you feel anxious or irritable constantly, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Women may even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or are unable to sleep. It's important to know that the symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or going through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood changes may be mistaken for symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as part of a woman's “female characteristics.” These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to receive the assistance and support you require. It's a good idea always to begin by talking with your primary physician who can refer to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any medical issues you may have like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” 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 important to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12. Second, the symptoms must cause significant problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You should also undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests as well, such as the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your past and ask you questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also talk to people who know you well, like close friends and family members. adhd symptoms in women who evaluates you will use their findings to create a report for you. In some cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't 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 issues that could cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. If you're looking for a doctor to evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary care physician for an appointment. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities 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 ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more prevalent among males and boys. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than males because of the way they mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments. Females with ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various social norms. They could be expected to look after their children, juggle many jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is administered at the right dosage. There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques can be helpful. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatment options might be best for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing the plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, and if there are any drug-related interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will enable them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Medications can help to boost your mood and increase your ability to focus. Support Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This means that women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, 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 lead to difficulties with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as eating too much. The symptoms can vary throughout various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis. A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. The tool has been specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help identify women's most frequent 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 tool for screening can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment often find that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.