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ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role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 Gender bias and outdated criteria could be a factor.
Doctors conduct an interview with patients and sometimes ask those who know the patient well -- like spouses, siblings, or even friends -- to assess symptoms.
Adult ADHD symptoms can change at different time points. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. However, they can also hinder relationships, work, and life generally.
Symptoms
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or are misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and don't have anything to do with how you behave or what you're like.
The signs of ADHD in women can vary among individuals but the most typical are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have difficulty paying attention or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious constantly or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal, which includes activities like burning or cutting themselves or having trouble sleeping.
It's also important to keep in mind that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times in a woman's life due to hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD often have worse symptoms during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or when they go through menopause. In addition, societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if a person's symptoms will be recognized. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, while your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's "female characteristics."
These differences can be frustrating however there are steps that you can take to receive the support and help you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping mechanisms. They could benefit from working with a career coach or joining an organization for support.
It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and can include medications such as stimulants. It's also crucial to speak with your doctor about any underlying issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to hide them to avoid dealing with. In addition gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."

You must meet certain criteria 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 had these symptoms prior to the time you turned 12. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by the symptoms in two environments such as working 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 have a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You could also be asked to take psychological tests like the scale for assessing your behavior or checklist. The examiner might ask you questions regarding your past and the way you dealt with your symptoms. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can look over.
In certain instances the evaluator might conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might conclude that your symptoms, while minor or specific, do not affect your daily functioning. They could decide to rule out the condition in the event that you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms.
Consult your primary physician for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can assess you for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a health care professional who treats adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions.
Treatment
Although ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a significant number of women. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment since they tend to mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting to make appointments to being unable to work in noisy environments.
Women with ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They might be expected by society to look after their children, play multiple roles at work and maintain stable relationships. add test for women can be particularly challenging for those who have impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication management.
adhd symptoms women are typically the first choice for treating ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medications that are suitable for use in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a physician to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
There are a variety of lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. They can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective option for those suffering from depression and anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD.
Based on your particular situation depending on your specific situation, a combination of treatments may be best for you. Your doctor will take into account your lifestyle, age, and symptom intensity when developing a treatment plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you might be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be aware of. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication to you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can lead to healthcare professionals and educators not understanding the symptoms of women and girls. This also means women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their particular symptoms.
ADHD in women can cause difficulties with relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to addiction to substances and unhealthy coping habits, such as binge eating. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
A new online tool for screening for adults with ADHD has been created by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to generate questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It helps identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women and 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated that indicates the severity of symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to keep in mind that it cannot replace a full assessment of your condition and should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women with ADHD who seek treatment discover that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at work and school and help them learn to understand themselves better. Support systems are also essential. This can be achieved by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with worked with female clients.