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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can play a role.
Doctors interview patients and consult with those who are familiar with them like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to evaluate symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at various times. For example during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or menopause. However, they can hinder relationships, work and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be frustrating, and cause feelings of insecurity. It is important to remember, however, that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or character.
The signs of ADHD in women can differ from person to person however the most frequent are disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, causing difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and being constantly anxious and stressed all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like burning or cutting, or have trouble sleeping.
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 who suffer from ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. In addition, some societal beliefs about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are recognized. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings could be mistaken for symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female qualities."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to receive the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Women with ADHD also benefit from learning how to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's important to note that the treatment of ADHD in women can be similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any existing conditions, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you may have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who have ADHD could be incorrectly identified as "high-functioning" or as having a "mood disorder."
adhd in adult women symptoms 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 crucial to have a history of these symptoms that began before you were 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to qualify as a diagnoses.

You should also undergo an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too, such as a checklist or behavior rating scale. The examiner will take a look at your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to talk with people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to prepare an evaluation report for you.
In some cases the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms are mild or very specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that can cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if are seeking a physician who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions.
Treatment
ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, yet it is more prevalent among boys and men. It is more difficult for women to seek treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not being able to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Females with ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
Stimulant medication is usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used 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 ensure that the correct dosage is being administered.
There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating and other strategies for living can aid. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. When creating a treatment plan your doctor will consider factors like age, lifestyle and severity of symptoms. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to 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 who suffer from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms in girls and women. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully things are changing. There are now more resources available for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their specific symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause problems with relationships, school and job performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay a diagnosis.
A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD has been developed by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It can help to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms for women. It also provides 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 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 the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation.
When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up for success in the workplace and in school and help them understand themselves better. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support system or finding a coach who has expertise working with women.