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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. The gender bias and outdated criteria could be at play. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask people who are familiar with the patient such as spouses, siblings or family members — to assess symptoms. The symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, like during menstrual periods, pregnancy or menopause. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life in general. Symptoms Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to remember that these issues do not come from you and have nothing to have anything to do with your actions or personality. weblink of ADHD in women can vary among individuals but the most typical are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school you feel anxious or irritable all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining your relationships. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Women may even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury such as burning themselves or cutting themselves or have difficulty sleeping. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopause. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior may influence whether someone's symptoms are recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as part of a woman's “female characteristics.” These nuances can be a source of frustration however there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you require. It's best to start with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Some women suffering from ADHD also benefit from improving their organization skills and create better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also consult with a career counselor or join a support group. It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about any underlying conditions you might be suffering from like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms may have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. Women also may struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” 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 is also important to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you reached the age of 12. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two different settings like working or at home. Additionally the symptoms have to be present for more than six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. You could also be asked to take psychological tests such as the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions about 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 will use their findings to write the report you need. In some cases, the evaluator will conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. If you're looking to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask members for suggestions. Treatment Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females, it also affects a significant number of women. However, it's often more difficult for females to get treatment than males because of the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or crowded environments. Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be expected by society to take care of their children, perform multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for women who suffer from hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. For this reason, it is essential for women with these symptoms to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines that can be used in place of stimulants include the atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being administered. There are many ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other lifestyle choices can help. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Some women experience relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation, a combination of treatments may be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and the severity of your symptoms when forming the plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to prescribe the right type and dosage medication for you. Certain medications can help increase your ability and mood to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully it is changing. There are more resources available for women with ADHD, and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like eating too much. Symptoms can also vary during various stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women and it uses real-life situations to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help you determine the most common ADHD symptoms for women 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. Scores are calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment often find that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and at school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. You can do this by joining a support group or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.