laurawheel33

ADHD in Women – Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role Women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. A bias towards gender and outdated criteria could play a role. Doctors interview patients and ask people who are familiar with them like spouses, siblings, or friends to look into the their symptoms. Adult symptoms of ADHD can vary in different periods, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can affect relationships at work, as well as life generally. Signs and symptoms Women and people who are assigned female at birth, (AFAB), often go undiagnosed. They may also receive a misdiagnosis. This can be frustrating and can cause feelings of despair. It is important to remember that these issues do not come from you and have nothing to be related to your actions or personality. The signs of ADHD in women can differ between individuals, but the most common are apathy, disorganization and difficulty in staying focused. You might also have trouble when it comes to paying attention or working on tasks, getting into trouble at school or work or having difficulty keeping relationships and managing your finances, and feeling restless and anxious all the time. Many women also experience emotional distress such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. There are those who suffer from non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting themselves or experiencing sleep problems. It's important to note that the signs of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of the woman's life or career. This is due to hormonal fluctuation. For instance, women who suffer from ADHD typically experience more severe symptoms during menstrual cycles or pregnancy or go through menopause. Additionally, certain social beliefs regarding gender and behavior may determine if a person's symptoms will be noticed. For instance when you're a woman with ADHD and you exhibit impulsive behavior, your symptoms or mood swings can be misinterpreted as symptoms of depression, and your lapses of memory and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's “female qualities.” While these differences are frustrating, there are steps you can take to get the assistance and support you require. It's always an ideal idea to begin with your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health for evaluation. Additionally, some women with ADHD benefit from learning strategies to improve their organizational 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 is similar to that of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor any underlying conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis Adults may be unable to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Your symptoms could have been overlooked in your childhood, or you may have learned to cover them up to cope. In addition gender stereotypes can make it more difficult for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD may be misdiagnosed as “high-functioning” or as having a “mood disorder.” 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 is also essential to have a the history of these symptoms starting before the age of 12. The symptoms must cause major problems in two different environments such as at work or at home. In addition, the symptoms must be present for at least six months to qualify as a diagnosis. You'll also need to undergo a physical exam to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This includes thyroid problems or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, too for example, the behavior rating scale. The evaluator will look at your history and ask you questions about how you've dealt with your symptoms in the past. They might also ask to speak to people who know you well, such as close family members and friends. The evaluator's findings will be used to write an evaluation report that you can read. In some cases an evaluator could conclude that you don't have ADHD. They might say that your symptoms are mild or extremely specific, and don't affect your daily functioning. They might exclude the condition, in the event that you have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that could cause similar symptoms. Consult your primary physician to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can evaluate you for ADHD. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist who has expertise in ADHD. Alternatively, you can call your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a health care professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask the members for suggestions. Treatment ADHD affects many women, yet it is more prevalent among males and females. However, it's more difficult for females to seek treatment than males because of the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms range from forgetting appointments to not being able work in noisy or busy environments. Women suffering from ADHD may feel pressured to meet societal expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain stable relationships. This can be especially challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or combination symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations, and medication treatment. Adults with ADHD are usually treated using stimulant medications. 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). A medical professional should monitor the medication to ensure it is administered at the appropriate dose. There are a variety of ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help those suffering from ADHD manage symptoms. Exercise and sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and other lifestyle strategies can be helpful. Techniques for managing stress as well as home and workplace accommodations can also be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with anxiety and depression, which can be co-occurring disorders that are associated with ADHD. Depending on the uniqueness of your situation depending on the specifics of your situation, you could benefit from a combination treatment. When determining the treatment plan your doctor will take into account factors like the severity, age, and lifestyle of symptoms. adhd symptoms for women will also take into account any other health issues that you may be suffering from and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also take into account the effects of hormone fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal. This will help them determine the best dosage and type of medication for you. The use of medication can increase your ability and mood to focus. Support Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is mostly focused on males and boys. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to miss symptoms that women and girls experience. Also, women have less access than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately it is changing. There are now more resources available for women suffering from ADHD and a greater awareness of their unique symptoms. ADHD in women can cause issues with relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. It can also cause women to use drugs or unhealthy strategies for coping like binge eating. Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. Hormonal fluctuations, for instance can affect the severity of symptoms. The mood swings could be interpreted as depression and anxiety by others, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis. The World Health Organization has developed an online tool for screening to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women, and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional could answer. It helps identify the most common ADHD symptoms in women and 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. A score is calculated, which shows the severity of your symptoms based on the answers you provide. The tool for screening can be completed online and is absolutely free. It is important to remember that the screening tool is not able to replace a thorough assessment of your situation. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation. Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment frequently notice that their lives is greatly improved. The right treatments can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at work and school and help them understand themselves better. Support systems are also crucial. This can be achieved by joining a support group or locating an ADHD coach with previous experience working with female clients.