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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often wrongly diagnosed with ADHD and are not treated appropriately. Gender bias and outdated criteria may play a part in. Doctors conduct a patient interview and may ask those who know the patient such as spouses, siblings or friends — to assess symptoms. Symptoms of adult ADHD can vary at different times, like during menstrual periods or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. They can still affect relationships as well as work and life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of powerlessness. But, it's important to keep in mind that these problems are not your fault and do not have any connection with how you behave or what kind of person you are. The symptoms of ADHD in women can vary among individuals, but the most common are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. 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 being constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Some women engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or have difficulty sleeping. It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of the woman's life due hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopausal. Some societal beliefs regarding gender and behavior could influence whether symptoms are noticed. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and apathy could be seen as a part of the woman's “female characteristics.” While these differences are frustrating but there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their abilities to manage their time and develop better coping mechanisms. They may also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It's also important to note that the treatment for ADHD for women is similar to that for men, and it can include medication such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or you could have learned to mask them to cope. In addition, gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. 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 is also essential to have a a history of these symptoms beginning before the age of 12 years old. The other requirement is to have major problems caused by symptoms in two settings such as work or home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months 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 be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You're likely to undergo psychological tests as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your past and how you dealt with your symptoms. They may also speak to people who know you well, including close family members and friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to create the report you need. In some cases an evaluator might conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms, though mild or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression. Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are looking for a doctor who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. You can also contact your insurance provider, or local universities to find an expert who can treat ADHD adults. 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 but it also has a significant impact on women. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments. Females with ADHD are also likely to be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They might be expected to care for their children, take on multiple tasks at work and maintain a stable relationship. high functioning adhd in women can be a challenge for women who suffer from impulsive, hyperactive, or combination symptoms. This is why it is crucial for women with these symptoms to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication management. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to ensure that the correct dosage is being taken. There are numerous ways to improve the lifestyle of people suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. These include sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations are also helpful. Psychotherapy can aid some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option that can help with depression and anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues with ADHD. Based on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating an appropriate plan. They will also consider any other health issues you might have, and should there be any drug-related interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also consider the effects of hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. This will enable them to prescribe the correct type and dosage medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on men and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This also means women are not as accessible as men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are now more resources for women with ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also lead to substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like eating too much. The symptoms can also change during different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could delay a proper diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adults with ADHD is being developed by the World Health Organization. This tool was created specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information 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. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool can't replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they usually experience a change in their lives that increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and allow them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also important. This can be done by joining a support network or finding a coach with experience working with women.