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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often overlooked and are not treated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work. Doctors interview patients and ask those who know them well like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to evaluate their symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different time points. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy, or menopause. They can impact relationships, work, and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. Sometimes, they are given a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of insecurity. stay with me is important to keep in mind that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with your behavior or personality. The signs of ADHD in women can vary between individuals but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, find yourself in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping. It's important to note that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as during menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness or mood swings could be interpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” While these differences can be a source of frustration 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 care physician who can refer you to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. In addition, some women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping strategies. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining a support group. It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to that of men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or learned to mask them. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have ADHD might 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's also crucial to have the history of these symptoms starting before you were 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different environments such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses. You'll also have to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, too like an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The evaluator will look at your past and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also request to talk to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to write an evaluation report for you. In some instances an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They may rule out the condition, if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which may cause similar symptoms. Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a common problem for women, even though it is more prevalent in 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 work in noisy environments. Females who suffer from ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various social expectations. They may be expected by society to look after their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those who have impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. It is important for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations and also medication management. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with 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 medical professional in order to ensure that the correct dosage is being administered. There are numerous ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When determining a treatment plan your doctor will take into account aspects like age, lifestyle, and the severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will help them determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on boys and men. This could result in health professionals and educators not being aware of the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to abuse substances or other unhealthy strategies for coping, such as binge-eating. The symptoms can also change during various stages of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis. A new online tool to screen for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It can help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be passed on 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. Scores are calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on your responses. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to note that it's not a replacement for a full evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, prepare them to be successful at the workplace and in school and help them to learn to understand themselves better. It is also vital to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support group or finding a coach with experience working with women.