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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. The gender bias and outdated criteria may be a factor. Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them such as spouses or siblings to assess their symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different periods. For instance during pregnancy, menstrual cycle or menopausal changes. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life generally. Symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be frustrating and cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and don't have any connection with how you conduct yourself or the you're like. The signs of ADHD in women can differ between individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization, and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble with paying attention or working on tasks, causing trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling constantly anxious and stressed constantly. In addition, many women suffer from emotional distress, such as mood shifts and a negative self image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping. It's important to know that the signs of ADHD can differ based on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or go through menopausal. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings can be mistaken for signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's “female traits.” Although these issues can be frustrating, there are ways to get the assistance and support you require. It's a good idea always to start with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD can benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and create more effective strategies for coping. You can also work with an expert in career counseling or join an online 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 such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” You must meet certain criteria 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 is also essential to have a a history of these symptoms starting before you were 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses. You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. adhd traits in women will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests like the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The evaluator will look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also ask you to talk with people who are familiar with you, including close family members and friends. The evaluator will use their findings to write an evaluation report for you. In some instances, an evaluator may conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and do not hinder your daily activities. They could exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms. Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate an expert who can treat ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more common among males and boys. However, it's often harder for females to access treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments. Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to get regular psychiatric examinations and also medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to ensure that the correct dosage is being used. In addition to medications There are a range of lifestyle options that can assist people with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. When developing adhd traits in women , your doctor will consider aspects like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the effect of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help increase your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can lead to problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. Symptoms can also vary during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which can delay a proper diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and uses the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help you identify the most common ADHD symptoms among 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 is calculated that reflects the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment discover that their life quality improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at the workplace and in school and help them to learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has previous experience working with female clients.