ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role<br /><br />Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play.<br /><br />Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient -- such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to evaluate symptoms.<br /><br />Symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can affect relationships as well as work and life in general.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to keep in mind that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to do with have anything to do with your actions or character.<br /><br />The symptoms of ADHD for women may differ between individuals but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or finishing tasks, getting into difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury, which includes activities like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.<br /><br />It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or go through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be misinterpreted as signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female traits."<br /><br />While these differences can be a source of frustration There are ways to receive the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from improving their organization skills and create more effective strategies for coping. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join an online support group.<br /><br />It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that for men, and it can include medications such as stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />Adults may have difficulty getting an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may be a result of childhood, or you may have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. Women can also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women with ADHD might be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."<br /><br />To receive a diagnosis of 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's also important to have the history of these symptoms that began before the age of 12. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two settings, such as at home or at work. In addition the symptoms must be present for more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.<br /><br />You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You'll likely take psychological tests, as well for example, a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will review your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also request that you speak with people who are familiar with you, like family members and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to write a report for you.<br /><br />In some cases the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while mild or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health conditions which could trigger similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.<br /><br />Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company, or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />ADHD is a common problem for women, yet it is more prevalent among males and females. It is more difficult for women to get treatment because they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments.<br /><br />Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected by society to care for their children, take on multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is crucial that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations and also medication treatment.<br /><br /><br /><br />Adults with ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being taken.<br /><br />There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be helpful. Women may find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.<br /><br />Based on the specificity of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination treatment. When developing a treatment plan your doctor will consider factors such as age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, and whether there are any drug side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also take into account the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is primarily focused on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms of women and girls. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from.<br /><br />ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">adult add in women I Am Psychiatry</a> has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool has been specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a healthcare professional. It can help identify women's most frequent ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on with a physician.<br /><br />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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The test can be completed online and is free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.<br /><br />Women with ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their lives improves dramatically. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success at the workplace and in school and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.<br /><br />