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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender bias and outdated criteria could be a factor. Doctors interview patients and ask people who know them well such as spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various periods. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal symptoms. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life in general. Symptoms Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with your actions or personality. The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary between individuals however the most frequent are apathy, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, find yourself in trouble at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Some women even commit non-suicidal acts of self-injury like burning themselves or cutting themselves or experience difficulty sleeping. It is important to remember, too, that symptoms of ADHD may vary based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your lack of organization and forgetfulness may be considered “female characteristics.” While these differences can be a source of frustration There are ways to receive the help and support you require. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician who can refer to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping methods. You can also work with a career counsellor or join a support group. It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that for men, and it can include medications like stimulants. It is important to discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” 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 had these symptoms before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo physical examinations to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well like the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your past and ask questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, including family members and close friends. The evaluator will then use their findings to create an evaluation report for you. In some cases, an evaluator may conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They might decide to rule out the condition when you have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms. Consult your primary physician for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions. Treatment Although ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments. Women suffering from ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be expected by society to look after their children, take on different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations and also medication treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated using stimulant drugs. 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 should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the appropriate dose. There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management techniques, workplace and homelife adjustments and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women experience relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When developing an appropriate treatment plan your doctor will consider aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. visit my web site will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication to you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on men and boys. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women. It also provides 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 is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it's not a replacement for an evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at school and at work, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.