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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender bias and outdated criteria could be a factor. Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them such as spouses or siblings to look into the their symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. However, they can affect relationships, work and life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often are not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of powerlessness. It is important to keep in mind that these difficulties do not come from you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality. ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You might also have trouble in focusing or working on tasks, getting into trouble at work or at school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being anxious and agitated constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury such as cutting or burning themselves, or experience difficulty sleeping. It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can be different at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. For example, women with ADHD tend to have more severe symptoms during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. For instance women with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as symptoms of depression, while your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as a part of the woman's “female traits.” These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can follow to get the support and help you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor who can refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. They may benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It's important to note that the treatment for ADHD in women can be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It's also important to speak with your doctor about any medical conditions you might have like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may be unable to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed 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's also important to have the history of these symptoms that began before you were 12 years old. The other requirement is that you have major problems caused by the symptoms in two different settings like at home or at work. Additionally the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You will also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical causes for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner will review your past experiences and ask you questions about how you've managed your symptoms in the past. They might also request that you speak with people who know you, such as close family members and friends. The evaluation's findings will be used to write a report that you can read. In some instances, the evaluator will 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 could exclude the condition, when you have other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms. Ask your primary care physician for a referral if are seeking a physician who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire with local university-based hospitals to find a medical specialist who can treat 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 in males and females, it also has a significant impact on women. However, it is often harder for females to access treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable work in noisy environments. Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected by society to look after their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain stable relationships. This can be particularly challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential for women suffering from these issues to undergo regular psychiatric assessments, and medication treatment. Stimulant drugs are usually the first option 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, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose. There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can aid. Techniques to manage stress, workplace and homelife adjustments and techniques for managing stress can be beneficial. Women may find relief from their symptoms by pursuing psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option for treating depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. 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 watch out for. They will also take into account the impact of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will enable them to determine the best type and dosage of medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to focus. Support Women suffering from ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that ADHD research focuses on boys and men. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss the symptoms in girls and women. This also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, that is changing. There are now more resources available to women suffering from ADHD and a greater understanding of their specific symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping strategies like eating too much. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can alter the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety which could delay a diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adult ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. add in adult women was designed specifically for women, and uses real-life experiences to create questions which a healthcare professional is able to answer. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be provided 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 tool for screening can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it cannot replace a full evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that improves dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, set them up for success at work and school and help them understand themselves better. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.