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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 are not treated appropriately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could play a role.

Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to evaluate their symptoms.

Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For instance, during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can also affect relationships, work, and life generally.

Signs and symptoms

Women and people who are born female, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating 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 how you act or what you're like.

The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ among individuals however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty in staying focused. There are also issues in focusing or finishing tasks, causing trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious all the time. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood swings and a negative self-image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.

It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or go through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization may be considered "female characteristics."

These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's best to start with your primary physician who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also work with a career counsellor or join a support group.

It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any medical conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to avoid dealing with. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."

To be diagnosed with 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 is also crucial to have had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two different settings like at home or at work. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.

You must also have an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You could be required to take psychological tests, such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The examiner will review your past and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They may also talk with people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The evaluator's findings will be used to produce a report that you can look over.

In some instances the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression.

Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.

Treatment

ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more common among boys and men. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments.

Females who suffer from ADHD might also be under pressure to meet various social norms. They may be required by society to look after their children, play various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially challenging for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management.

Stimulant medications are typically the first choice for treating 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 atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). A medical professional must be monitoring the medication to ensure it is taken in the right dose.

There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other lifestyle choices can help. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with depression and anxiety, both of which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.

Based on  Highly recommended Resource site , a combination of treatments may be appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health problems you may have, as well as should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone 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. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.

Support

Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on boys and men. 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 available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their unique symptoms.

ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. For instance, fluctuations in hormones can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay a proper diagnosis.

A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be provided to 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 symptoms. The test can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.

When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they typically discover that their life quality increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and help them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be achieved by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.