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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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. A lack of understanding and gender biases could be at play.

Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.

Symptoms of adult ADHD can be different in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. However, they can also interfere with relationships, work, and life generally.

Signs and symptoms

Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Or they receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to keep in mind that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your behavior or personality.

The signs of ADHD in women can differ from person to person, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. There are also issues in focusing or working on tasks, getting into difficulties at work or school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping.

It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy or going through menopausal. Additionally, certain social beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. If you're a female suffering from ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics."

While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from improving their organizational skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also consult with a career counsellor or join an online support group.

It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any other issues you may have like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may have been overlooked in your the early years, or you might have learned to mask them to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."

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 experienced these symptoms since before you turned 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings, such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis.

You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely have to take psychological tests as well for example, the behavior rating scale. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, including close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to create a report that you can look over.

In some instances, the evaluator will conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, although mild or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety.

If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD, ask your primary health care provider for a referral. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.

Treatment

ADHD is a common problem for women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent in males and boys. However,  adhd in women treatment  is often more difficult for females to get treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.

Women suffering from ADHD might feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, manage multiple jobs, and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations and also medication treatment.

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 can be substituted for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.

There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements are also helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with 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 determining the treatment plan the doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity 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 adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the correct type and dosage medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to concentrate.

Support

Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. This 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 cause problems with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as being caused by anxiety or depression, which can delay a diagnosis.

The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to identify adult ADHD. This tool was designed specifically for women and draws on the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool can be completed online and is free. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.

Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success at work and in school, and allow them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can do this by joining a support system or by finding a coach with experience working with women.