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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at work. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who know the patient such as spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms. The symptoms of adult ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. However, they can hinder relationships, work, and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of powerlessness. It's important to remember, however, that these difficulties don't originate from you and have nothing to do with your behavior or personality. ADHD symptoms in women differ, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have trouble with paying attention or completing tasks, and may end up in trouble at work or at school, having difficulty maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping. It is important to remember that the signs of ADHD may vary based on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopause. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior may also determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to receive the support and help you require. It's always recommended to begin with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from improving their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. look at more info could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain criteria. 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 an history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two different settings like work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You'll also have to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely have to take psychological tests, as well, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The evaluator may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask you to speak with people who know you, including close friends and family members. The results of the evaluator will be used to produce an evaluation report that you can read. In some instances an evaluator could decide that you do not have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and don't interfere with daily functioning. They may decide to rule out the condition when you have other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms. If you're looking to find a doctor who can evaluate you for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They may suggest psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance provider or check at local hospitals affiliated with universities to find a medical specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations. Treatment Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females however, it has a significant impact on women. It is harder for women to seek treatment since they are more likely to hide their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments. Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected to take care of their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This is particularly difficult for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant medication. 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). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the correct dose. In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle options that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can aid. Stress management techniques and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the specificity of your situation, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopausal. This will enable doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a range of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on males and females. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss the symptoms of women and girls. This also means women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater understanding of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies like eating too much. The symptoms can vary throughout different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women and uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that reflects the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your situation. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they typically experience a change in their lives that improves significantly. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up for success in school and at work, and help them become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be accomplished by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.