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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. Gender bias and outdated criteria may be a factor. Doctors use a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient -- like spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms. Symptoms of adult ADHD are different at different times, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can also hinder relationships, work, and life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and cause feelings of powerlessness. It is important to remember, however, that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to do with your actions or personality. The signs of ADHD in women can vary from person to person but the most typical are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You may also have trouble staying focused or completing your tasks, be in trouble at work or school, feel restless or anxious all the time or have issues managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Additionally, many women suffer from emotional distress, like mood fluctuations and a negative self-image. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping. It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopause. In addition, societal attitudes about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination may be considered "female characteristics." While these differences can be a source of frustration, there are ways to get the help and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician who can refer to a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD are also benefited by improving their organization skills and create more effective strategies for coping. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining a support group. It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also crucial to consult your doctor about any other issues you may have like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. Your symptoms could have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. Additionally, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders." To receive a diagnosis of ADHD You must meet certain requirements. 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 beginning before you were 12. Second, the symptoms should 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 need to undergo a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You could also be asked to take psychological tests like the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The evaluator will look at your history and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, like close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to write the report you will be able to look over. In some instances, an evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They may also rule out the condition if there are other mental health issues which could trigger similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a specialist if you are in search of a doctor who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also reach out to your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for recommendations. Treatment While ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a significant number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to get treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or crowded environments. Women suffering from ADHD might be pressured to conform to social expectations. They could be expected to take care of their children, manage multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for women with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions get regular psychiatric examinations, and also medication treatment. Stimulant medications are typically the first option for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). adhd in women checklist -stimulant drugs that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being administered. There are a variety of ways to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Techniques for managing stress and workplace and homelife accommodations can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can aid women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues that you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also factor in the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will enable them to determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. Certain medications can help improve your ability and mood to focus. Support Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This can cause healthcare providers and educators to overlook symptoms that women and girls experience. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping strategies like eating too much. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. Mood swings can be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could delay a proper diagnosis. A new online tool for screening for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. This screening tool is specifically designed for women and draws on the experiences of real people to generate questions that can be answered by a health professional. It will help identify women's most common ADHD symptoms and provide details 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 to determine the severity of symptoms. The screening tool is free to use and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your condition. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women with ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.
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