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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play. Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient — like spouses, siblings or friends to look into the symptoms. The symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can also interfere with relationships, work, and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Sometimes, they are given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It's crucial to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you act or what kind of person you are. ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focussed. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping. It's important to know, too, that 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 who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization might be seen as “female characteristics.” These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to get 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 for an evaluation. Additionally, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. They may also benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group. It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to mask them as a means of coping. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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's also important to have a history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is that you have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two environments, such as working or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely take psychological tests, too for example, the behavior rating scale. The evaluator may ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, such as family and close friends. The results of the evaluator will be used to create an evaluation report that you can go through. In certain cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, although slight or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can test you for ADHD. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local universities to find an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions. Treatment Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to get treatment because they tend to hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments. Females who suffer from ADHD might also feel pressure to meet different social norms. They may be required by society to care for their children, perform multiple roles at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is essential for women with these symptoms 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 drugs that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). adhd in women uk should be closely monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being taken. In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. When creating an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will take into account aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual period or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate. Support Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis. A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD was developed by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms for women and provide 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 will be calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a substitute for a full assessment of your condition. It should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment find that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school and help them understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support group or finding a coach with expertise working with women.