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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria can play a role. Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient -- such as spouses, siblings or family members to look into the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different periods. For instance when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal changes. However, they can affect relationships, work, and life in general. Symptoms Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be frustrating, and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have anything to do with how you behave or what you're like. ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. There are also issues when it comes to paying attention or completing tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming restless and anxious constantly. Many women suffer from emotional stress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves, or have trouble sleeping. It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women can 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're going through menopause. Additionally, certain social attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are observed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination could be interpreted as "female characteristics." These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps you can follow to get the assistance and support you need. It's a good idea always to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. You can also consult with a career counselor or join an online support group. It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to that for men, and may include medication such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any underlying conditions, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may struggle to get an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to hide them to cope. Women may also struggle to be diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders." You 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 is also essential to have experienced these symptoms before you turned 12. The other requirement is to have significant issues triggered by the symptoms in two settings such as work or home. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. It is also necessary to undergo a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. You could also be asked to complete psychological tests such as a behavior rating scale or checklist. The evaluator may ask you questions about your history and how you dealt with your symptoms. They might also ask you to speak with people who are familiar with you, like family members and close friends. The evaluator will use their findings to create an evaluation report for you. In certain instances the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They may conclude that your symptoms aren't severe or very specific, and do not affect your daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They may recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who specializes in ADHD. You can also call your insurance provider, or local universities, to locate a professional who treats ADHD adults. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD is a common problem for women, despite the fact that it is more common among boys and men. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments. Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They may be required by society to look after their children, perform different roles at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women with these symptoms to have regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management. 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 drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, like atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional must monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose. In addition to medications in addition, there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other strategies for living can help. Stress management techniques such as workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Women may find relief from their ailments by seeking psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for anxiety and depression. click here -occurring with ADHD. Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments could be the best option for you. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle and symptom intensity when developing a treatment plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may have, and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. This will help them prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to focus. Support Women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the fact that ADHD research focuses on men and boys. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. Also, women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this 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 lead to difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like binge eating. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool is designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a health professional. It can help identify the most common ADHD symptoms in 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of symptoms. The tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to keep in mind that it's not a replacement for a full assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually discover that their life quality improves significantly. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and allow them to better understand themselves. It is also vital to have support systems in place. This can be accomplished by joining a support group or finding an ADHD coach with experience working with female clients.
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