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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often overlooked and undertreated for ADHD. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at work. Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them, such as spouses, siblings, or friends to assess symptoms. inattentive add in women of adult ADHD are different in different periods, such as during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, as well as menopausal. But they can still interfere with relationships, work and life in general. Signs and symptoms Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) are often not diagnosed or receive a misdiagnosis of ADHD. This can be a frustrating experience and lead to feelings of helplessness. It is important to remember, however, that these problems do not come from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality. ADHD symptoms in women can be varied, but the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. You may also have trouble paying attention or completing your tasks, be in difficulties at school or at work and feel anxious or restless constantly or have trouble managing your finances or maintaining relationships. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Women may even engage in non-suicidal actions of self-injury like burning or cutting themselves, or are unable to sleep. It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women can differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women with ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and during menopausal. A few societal beliefs about gender and behavior could affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. If you're female and suffer from ADHD, for example your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as signs of depression. Your forgetfulness and disorganization could be interpreted as “female characteristics.” These differences can be frustrating however there are steps you can take to get the support and help you require. It's always a good idea to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation. Additionally, women suffering from ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their ability to organize their lives and develop better coping strategies. They could also benefit from working with a career counselor or joining an organization for support. It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment for men and could include stimulants. It is also essential to consult your doctor about any medical conditions you might have like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may be unable to receive an diagnosis for ADHD. Your symptoms may have been missed in the early years, or you might have learned to cover them up as a means of coping. Women also may have a harder time getting diagnosed due to gender stereotypes. Women who suffer from ADHD may be mistakenly diagnosed 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's also important to have an history of these symptoms that began before you were 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months before they can be considered a diagnosis. You will also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could be thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, as well for example, an assessment of your behavior or a scale. The examiner might ask you questions about your history and how you handled your symptoms. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, like close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to create a report that you can go through. In some instances an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, while slight or specific, don't interfere with your daily functioning. Or, they might rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, anxiety or depression. If you want to find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms for ADHD and other disorders, ask your primary doctor for a referral. They may suggest an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or check with local university-based hospitals to locate a health care specialist who can treat adults suffering from ADHD. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment While ADHD is more common in males and females however, it affects a large number of women. It is more difficult for women to receive treatment due to the fact that they tend to mask their symptoms. Symptoms range from forgetting appointments or being unable to work in noisy environments. Females who suffer from ADHD might also be pressured to conform to different social expectations. They could be expected to look after their children, juggle many roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for those with impulsive, hyperactive or combination symptoms. Because of this, it is particularly important for women with these signs to be regularly evaluated for psychiatric disorders and medication treatment. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with stimulant drugs. 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). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being taken. In addition to medications, there are a variety of lifestyle options that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise as well as healthy eating, sleep hygiene and other lifestyle choices can aid. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can assist some women with their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a good option for anxiety and depression. These conditions are often co-occurring with ADHD. Based on the specificity of your particular situation You may be able to benefit from a combination therapy. When developing an appropriate treatment plan, your doctor will consider factors such as the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. They will also take into account 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 consider the effects of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, perimenopause, perimenopausal and menopause. This will help them determine 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 suffering from ADHD are often not diagnosed. This is due to a range of reasons, including the fact that ADHD research is focused on men and boys. This can result in healthcare providers and educators missing the symptoms of girls and women. This also means that women are denied access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately inattentive add in women is changing. There are more resources available for women suffering from ADHD, and they are more aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can result in problems with relationships, school and workplace performance, and self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping behaviors like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance, can influence the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression or anxiety by others, which could delay the diagnosis. A new online screening tool for adult ADHD is being created by the World Health Organization. The tool was developed specifically for women, and it uses real-life situations to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help you to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms among women. It also provides information that can be shared 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 to use and can be completed online. It is important to keep in mind that the screening tool is not able to replace a full evaluation of your condition. It should only be used along with an ADHD consultation. When women suffering from ADHD seek treatment, they often find their quality of living improves significantly. The right treatment can improve relationships, aid them in achieving success in work and school, and also allow them to understand themselves better. It is also important to have support systems in place. This can be done by joining an online support group or by finding an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.