ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role<br /><br />Women are often not diagnosed and are not treated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be the cause.<br /><br />Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or family members -- to assess symptoms.<br /><br />Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can affect relationships, work, and life in general.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />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 lead to feelings of insecurity. It's crucial to remember that these issues are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what kind of person you are.<br /><br />The signs of ADHD for women may differ among individuals but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have difficulty keeping track of your tasks, be in trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless all the time or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.<br /><br />It's important to note, too, that symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of a woman's career or life. This is 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. In <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">iampsychiatry</a> , societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may affect whether a person's symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood changes may be interpreted as symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's "female characteristics."<br /><br />While these differences can be a source of frustration but there are ways to get the help 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. In addition, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group.<br /><br />It's important to know that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. The symptoms you experience may have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to hide them to cope. Women may also have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."<br /><br />You must meet certain requirements 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's also important to have the history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.<br /><br />You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues 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 the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request that you speak with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write a report that you can look over.<br /><br />In certain instances the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, do not interfere with your daily functioning. They might exclude the condition, when you have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which could cause similar symptoms.<br /><br />Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are in search of a doctor who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Although ADHD is more common for males and boys but it also affects a large number of women. It is harder for women to receive treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments.<br /><br />Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to feel pressure to meet different social expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be a challenge for those who have 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 treatment.<br /><br />Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a physician to make sure the proper dosage is being taken.<br /><br />In addition to medication There are a range of lifestyle choices that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include exercise, sleep hygiene and healthy eating. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be beneficial. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD.<br /><br /><br /><br />Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating the treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, and whether there are any drug-related side effects or interactions to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual period, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to focus.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This also means women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms.<br /><br />ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can alter the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis.<br /><br />The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women. It also provides information that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which indicates the severity of your symptoms based upon your responses. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace a full assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.<br /><br />When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often experience a change in their lives that improves dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at the workplace and in school, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also essential. You can achieve this by joining a support system or finding a coach who has previous experience working with women.<br /><br />