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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be the cause. Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well such as spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For signs of adhd in women during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. They can still affect relationships, work, and life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of helplessness. It's important to remember, however, that these issues don't originate from you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality. The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary from person to person, but the most common are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. You may also experience trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, and may end up in trouble at school or work, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep. It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopausal. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood changes could be misinterpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to receive the assistance and support you need. It's best to begin with your primary doctor, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by learning how to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. They could benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It is important to remember that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to consult your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. inattentive adhd in women may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women with ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” You must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed with ADHD. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It's also crucial to have a history of these symptoms beginning before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two environments, such as working or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses. You should also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You will likely also be asked to take psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to write a report that you can read. In some cases an evaluator might decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They may rule out the condition, when you have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if you are seeking a physician who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire at local hospitals affiliated with universities to locate a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for recommendations. Treatment ADHD affects many women, despite the fact that it is more common among boys and men. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments. Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be expected to care for their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations 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 medicines can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the appropriate dose. In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques can be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and whether there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. Also, women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are more aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to substance abuse or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis. A new online tool to screen for adult ADHD was created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. 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 will be calculated that indicates the severity of the symptoms. The test can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for the complete assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment notice that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at work and school, and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. You can achieve this by joining a support network or finding a coach who has experience working with women.