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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. The gender bias and outdated criteria can play a part in. add test for women use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient — like spouses, siblings or friends — to assess symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different periods. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can also hinder relationships, work and life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and people who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. Or they receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you act or what you're like. ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, get into trouble at work or school and feel anxious or restless all the time, or have difficulty managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women experience emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal such as cutting or burning or having trouble sleeping. It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, as well as when they are going through menopause. In addition, some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. For instance women with ADHD, your impulsive behavior or mood swings can be mistaken for signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and disorganization may be seen as part of a woman's “female qualities.” These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps that you can take to get the help and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping methods. They may benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support. It's also important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women is the same to the treatment for men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any issues that may be causing the problem, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. add test for women can be difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to mask them. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women with ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning,” or as having “mood disorders.” To be diagnosed with 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 turned 12 years old. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must 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 reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizures. You may also be asked to complete psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator may 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 create the report you will be able to read. In certain instances the evaluator may decide that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are not severe or extremely specific, and they don't hinder your daily activities. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. If you're looking to find an expert to test your symptoms for ADHD Ask your primary doctor for a referral. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check with local university-based hospitals to find a medical professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for suggestions. Treatment While ADHD is more common for males and boys, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it's more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments. Women suffering from ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be expected by society to take care of their children, perform different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be a challenge for those with hyperactive, impulsive, or combination symptoms. It is crucial for women suffering from these issues to receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is taken in the correct dose. In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management techniques and workplace and homelife accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that can help with anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD. Based on your specific situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be appropriate for you. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate treatment plan. They will also take into consideration any other health problems 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 hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right type and dosage of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your mood and ability to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often overlooked. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This could result in healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and they are more aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can cause problems 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 also alter at different times in life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of the symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was specifically designed for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to formulate questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women and provides information that can be shared 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool cannot substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently discover that their quality of life is greatly improved. The right treatments can improve relationships, prepare them for success at school and at work and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be achieved by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.