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ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often misdiagnosed with ADHD and treated in a way that is not adequate. Gender biases and outdated criteria could be at play. Doctors use a patient interview and sometimes ask those who know the patient well — such as spouses, siblings or friends to evaluate symptoms. Adult ADHD symptoms can alter at various periods. 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. Signs and symptoms Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of helplessness. However, it's important to remember that these difficulties are not your fault and do not have anything to do with the way you conduct yourself or the kind of person you are. ADHD symptoms in women can be varied and the most common ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focussed. There are also issues in focusing or completing tasks, causing trouble at school or work and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming anxious and agitated constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood swings or a negative view of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury that includes things like cutting or burning, or have trouble sleeping. It's also important to note that the symptoms of ADHD in women may differ at different times of a woman's life due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may have more severe symptoms during their menstrual cycle, or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopause. In addition, some societal attitudes about gender and behavior can affect whether a person's symptoms are noticed. If you're female and suffer from ADHD for instance, your impulsiveness or mood changes could be mistaken as a sign of depression. Your inattention and lack of coordination might be seen as “female characteristics.” These differences can be frustrating However, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you need. It's best to begin by talking with your primary doctor, who can refer to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation. Some women with ADHD can benefit from learning to improve their organization skills and develop better coping strategies. You can also talk to an expert in career counseling or join a support group. It's important to know that the treatment for ADHD for women may be similar to that of men and may include stimulants. You should also discuss with your doctor about any issues that may be causing the problem, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis It can be a challenge to diagnose ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms as a child or figured out how to hide them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it difficult for women to be diagnosed. Women with ADHD could be mistakenly diagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” To receive a diagnosis of 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 the history of these symptoms that began before you were 12 years old. Second, the symptoms must cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months to be considered a diagnosis. You should also undergo an examination to rule out medical causes 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 examiner will review your history and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They may also speak to people who know you well, including close friends and family members. The evaluator will then use their findings to create the report you need. In some instances an evaluator might determine that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although mild or specific, don't hinder your everyday functioning. They may exclude the condition, when you have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause similar symptoms. Consult your primary physician for a referral if you are in search of a doctor who can assess your symptoms for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in ADHD. You can also call your insurance company or local universities, to locate an expert who treats ADHD adults. You can also join a support group for ADHD and ask the group members for recommendations. Treatment ADHD affects many women, despite the fact that it is more prevalent in boys and men. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than males due to the way they hide their symptoms. Symptoms can range from forgetting appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments. Women with ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They could be expected to care for their children, manage multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This is particularly difficult for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is important that women suffering from these conditions undergo regular psychiatric assessments and also medication management. Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD in adults. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in lieu of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). These medications should be closely monitored by a medical professional in order to make sure the proper dosage is being used. There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. Exercise and healthy eating, sleeping hygiene and other strategies for living can be helpful. Stress management techniques as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be helpful. Some women find relief from their symptoms by engaging in psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. These conditions often co-occurring with ADHD. Depending on your unique situation A combination of treatment options might be appropriate for you. Your doctor will consider your age, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms when forming an appropriate plan. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you might have, and if there are any drug interactions or side effects that you need to be aware of. They will also consider the effect of hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. This will allow them to determine the appropriate dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can help improve your mood and your ability to concentrate. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on men and boys. This could cause healthcare providers and educators to miss symptoms of women and girls. It also means that women have less access to screening tools and treatment options. Fortunately, adult adhd in women is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are aware of the symptoms they suffer from. ADHD in women can lead to difficulty with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also result in alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating too much. The symptoms can also alter at different times in life. Hormonal fluctuations, like can impact the severity of symptoms. Mood swings are often misinterpreted by others as depression or anxiety, which can delay a diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to help diagnose adult ADHD. The tool was developed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It will help women identify their most prevalent ADHD symptoms and provide information 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. A score is calculated, which reveals the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The screening tool is free and can be completed online. It is important to remember that the screening tool can't substitute for a thorough evaluation of your situation. It is best used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment often notice that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment can enhance relationships, help them achieve success in work and school, and allow them to better understand themselves. It is also essential to have support systems in place. You can achieve this by joining a support network or by finding a coach with previous experience working with women.