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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often not diagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work. Doctors conduct a patient interview and sometimes ask people who know the patient well — like spouses, siblings, or even friends to look into the symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various periods. For example, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They can affect relationships, work, and life in general. Symptoms Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these issues are not a result of you and have nothing to have anything to do with your behavior or personality. ADHD symptoms in women vary and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty focusing. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, find yourself in difficulties at school or at work, feel restless or anxious all the time or have issues managing your finances or keeping relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some women even engage in non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep. It's important to know that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD might experience more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as when they're going through menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior can determine if symptoms are spotted. If you're a female suffering from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness and mood swings could be interpreted as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's best to begin with your primary physician, who can refer to a mental health professional for an evaluation. Some women with ADHD are also benefited by learning how to improve their organization skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also work with a career counsellor or join a support group. It's also worth noting that the treatment for ADHD in women is similar to the treatment for men, and may include medications such as stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. The symptoms you experience may be a result of childhood, or you could have learned to cover them up to avoid dealing with. Women may also be more difficult to get diagnosed due to stereotypes about gender. Women who suffer from ADHD could be misdiagnosed 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 important to have experienced these symptoms prior to the time you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms have to be present for at least six months in order to be considered a diagnosis. You should also undergo an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems. You will likely also be asked to complete psychological tests like an assessment of your behavior or a checklist. The evaluator will look at your history and ask questions about how you've handled your issues in the past. They might also request that you speak with people who know you, like family members and close friends. The person who evaluates you will use their findings to write a report for you. In some cases the evaluator may conclude that you don't suffer from ADHD. They might say that your symptoms aren't severe or extremely specific, and do not interfere with daily functioning. They may also rule out the condition if you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if are looking for a doctor who can test you for ADHD. They may recommend an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or check at the local hospital affiliated with a university to locate a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can join a support group for ADHD and ask members for suggestions. Treatment While ADHD is more common for males and boys however, it has a significant impact on women. However, it's often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they conceal their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to not being able to work in noisy or busy environments. Women suffering from ADHD may be pressured to conform to social expectations. They may be required by society to look after their children, perform various roles at work, and maintain a stable relationship. This can be especially difficult for those who have hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women with these signs to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment. 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 drugs can be used as a substitute for stimulants, including atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv) and viloxazine(Kapvay). The dosage of medications must be monitored by a medical professional to make sure the proper dosage is being used. There are adhd in women test to improve the lifestyle of people with ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene, and other lifestyle strategies can help. Techniques to manage stress including adjustments to work and at home and stress management techniques could be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for depression and anxiety. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on your specific situation A combination of treatments could be best for you. Your doctor will take into account your age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms when creating a plan. They will also take into consideration any other health problems you may have, as well as whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to be aware of. They will also factor in the impact of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate type and dosage medication for you. Medications may help improve your mood and ability to concentrate. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can lead to healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of women and girls. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully it is changing. There are now more resources for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause difficulty with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in substance abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as binge eating. Symptoms may also alter at different times in life. For example, hormone fluctuations can impact the severity of the symptoms. Mood swings are often interpreted by others as anxiety or depression and can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes the experiences of real people to create questions that can be answered by a medical professional. It will help women identify their most common ADHD symptoms and provide information that can be passed on 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 will be calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that it cannot replace a full assessment of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their quality of life improves dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success at work and in school, and also allow them to gain a better understanding of themselves. Support systems are also essential. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach who has experience working with female clients.