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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD and treated inadequately. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria may be a factor. Doctors conduct an interview with patients and may ask those who know the patient well — like spouses, siblings or family members to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at different time points. For example when menstrual cycles are in full swing, pregnancy or menopausal symptoms. They can impact relationships at work, as well as life in general. Symptoms Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often go undiagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. But, 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 kind of person you are. ADHD symptoms in women vary, but the most common symptoms are disorganization, forgetfulness and difficulty staying focused. You may also experience trouble in focusing or finishing tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and being restless and anxious all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood fluctuations or a negative perception of themselves. Many suffer from self-injury that is not suicidal that includes things like burning or cutting or experiencing sleep problems. It is also important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of women's lives due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they are going through menopausal. In addition, societal attitudes regarding gender and behavior could influence whether someone's symptoms are observed. If you're a female with ADHD for instance your impulsiveness and mood changes could be misinterpreted as a sign of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization might be seen as “female characteristics.” These issues can be frustrating, but there are steps that you can take to receive the assistance and support you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary care doctor and ask them to refer you to a mental health professional to be evaluated. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational skills and develop better coping methods. You can also talk to a career counselor or join an online support group. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is important to discuss with your physician any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You might have not noticed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. In addition gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who have ADHD could be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” To receive a diagnosis of ADHD you must meet certain requirements. 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 before you turned 12. The second requirement is to suffer from major issues caused by symptoms in two settings like at home or at work. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to qualify as a diagnoses. You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizures. You're likely to undergo psychological tests, too, such as an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The evaluator may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask you to talk with people who know you, like close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to create an evaluation report that you can go through. In some cases the evaluator may determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while mild or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They may exclude the condition, if you suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms. Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are looking for a doctor who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. You can also call 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 members for recommendations. Treatment ADHD is a problem that affects a lot of women, even though it is more prevalent among males and females. It is more difficult for women to get treatment due to the fact that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting to keep appointments to being unable work in noisy environments. Females who live with ADHD are also likely to be under pressure to meet various societal expectations. They may be expected to look after their children, juggle many tasks at work and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially difficult for women with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. This is why it is particularly important for women suffering from these conditions to undergo regular psychiatric assessments and medication treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medications. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant medicines can be substituted for stimulants, such as atomoxetine(Strattera),guanfacine(Intuniv), and viloxazine(Kapvay). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure that it is taken at the appropriate dose. There are many ways to improve the lifestyle of those suffering from ADHD manage their 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 techniques for managing stress can be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women who are suffering from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. These conditions are typically co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on the uniqueness of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination of treatments. Your doctor will take into consideration your lifestyle, age, and severity of symptoms when creating a plan. They will also consider any other health issues you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or adverse effects to be concerned about. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow doctors to prescribe the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help stabilize your mood and improve your ability to concentrate. Support Women with ADHD are often not diagnosed. ADHD research is primarily focused on males and boys. This could result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This also means women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Thankfully, this is changing. There are more resources for women suffering from ADHD and they are better aware of their symptoms. ADHD in women can result in difficulty with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy coping strategies for coping, like binge-eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for example can impact the severity of symptoms. The mood swings can be misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay the diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. This tool was created specifically for women, and it uses real-life experiences to generate questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide details that can be shared to 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 will be calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to remember that it is not a substitute for the complete evaluation of your condition and should only be utilized in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women with ADHD who seek treatment find that their quality of life increases dramatically. The right treatment can improve relationships, help them achieve success at work and at school, and help them to better understand themselves. Support systems are also crucial. You can do this by joining a support system or by finding a coach with experience working with women.