ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who are who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD often conceal their symptoms. This can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have existed since childhood, technically prior to age 12. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
This quiz will help you examine your symptoms in relation to those of women who suffer from ADHD. This test doesn't diagnose anything but it could give your healthcare professional a better understanding of your needs.
Symptoms
ADHD can affect adults as well. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive type of ADHD is more common in women than males. This type of ADHD is less apparent than the other two. It usually manifests as internal symptoms like a lack of focus or a tendency to think about daydreaming.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in women can include the inability to pay attention in class or at work, and inadequate time management skills. They may also have difficulty keeping track of expenses and appointments or performing household chores. Women can try to overcome these issues by working harder or trying to become more organized. However, this often backfires and creates feelings of anger. Some women turn to unhealthy coping behaviors, like alcohol and drug use.
You should speak to your doctor or mental health professional if you think you might have ADHD. They can help you identify your symptoms and refer you to a specialist when needed. Your doctor will ask about your family history, your medical history, and any mental health issues that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines five continuous symptoms that satisfy the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. You must have at least three of these symptoms to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD or at least four of the hyperactive-impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with the combined type of ADHD.
Your symptoms have to have been present for at least six months before you can be diagnosed with either type of ADHD. They must also have a negative impact on your life and affect how you perform.
You can manage your symptoms by eating an exercise and diet plan that is healthy and regularly. You can also reduce your intake of processed or sugary foods. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to relax your mind and help reduce impulsiveness, distractibility and promote restful sleep. You may also discuss with your doctor about the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is a crucial step towards managing your symptoms and living the life you've always wanted. It's impossible to do it on your own. A mental health professional will need to evaluate your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical examination. A medical professional will go over your history in order to rule out any other conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
In many cases, those who are diagnosed with ADHD seek treatment immediately. There are two kinds of medications to treat the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants tend to be more well-known because they are faster in their action and have a longer lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your therapist or psychiatrist will prescribe an appropriate medication based on your requirements. It is recommended to discuss your options with them to ensure they can make the best decision regarding your symptoms.
While ADHD is more prevalent in males and females, cisgender women can suffer from the same symptoms. Because of gender bias, and the fact that many doctors are unaware of the ways ADHD affects women, it is challenging for them to receive the right diagnosis.
This online assessment was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based off the DSM-5 criteria, but has been broken down into symptoms for women. It's not a way to diagnose you, however it can serve as a starting point to start discussions with a doctor or therapist about your issues.
When you go to the evaluator, you must bring all your symptoms and any other records that could be relevant, such as performance evaluations from your job or copies of old test results. The evaluator will go through them to determine if your symptoms meet the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator may also ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The examiner may need to know, for example, how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also review your medical history, and conduct tests to rule out any conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
Controlling ADHD in adulthood can be challenging, but treatment options are available. The most common treatment is medication. They can help reduce symptoms and control brain activity, but they must be prescribed and taken under the supervision of a health professional. The stimulant medications are typically the first choice, however non-stimulants can also be utilized in some cases. In addition to addressing ADHD, your doctor may suggest additional neuropsychological or psychological tests to determine the effects of co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can affect relationships and personal development. Women with ADHD typically have a difficult to read social cues and recognizing body language which can result in poor communication skills. This can cause issues at work and home. Women with ADHD are also at a higher risk of developing mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of adults with ADHD still have symptoms in adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to overcome the condition.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step to getting the right diagnosis and treatment. As adults age, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. It can be difficult for them to get the support and help they require. The good news is that current research on ADHD is focused on understanding the effects it has on women, and improvements in treatment and diagnosis are being developed.
In addition to medications as well, many women suffering from ADHD benefit from a variety of lifestyle changes and therapeutic strategies. For example certain women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can help them learn ways to manage their time and create structures to improve their life and productivity. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches women to accept their thoughts and feelings and replace negative thought patterns with more positive ones. Family therapy and counseling for couples are also beneficial for certain women. They can learn how to communicate more effectively with their spouses and how to resolve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a big difference in managing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying focused and falling to sleep at the end of the night. This means an established routine for bedtime or listening to calming audiobooks or music and avoiding any electronic devices or screen time before going to sleeping.
discover this
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is not well-diagnosed however, there are many resources and a large community of people ready to support you. Consult your primary care physician for recommendations, or phone your insurance provider to find an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also recommended to join an ADHD support group close to you. Many of these groups can assist you in finding health specialists who are proficient in diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults and provide a supportive environment.
Doctors may be unable to diagnose girls and women with ADHD because they typically present with different symptoms than boys and men. Some doctors may not be aware of or underestimate the difference, resulting in incorrect diagnoses and inadequate treatment strategies. This is especially true when it comes the hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms.
You can take an online test for female ADHD if you suspect you might be suffering from the disorder. This test is free and based on DSM 5 criteria and was created with the real experiences of ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnosis test and should be accompanied by a professional consultation. Please note that the article uses "male" and 'female" as terms that refer to gender. However we are committed to using sex identities that reflect a person’s affirmed gender.