ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who were assigned female at birth mask their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis.
For ADHD to be diagnosed the symptoms must have been present since childhood. This is technically before the age of 12. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
Take this test to determine the way your symptoms compare to those of a woman with ADHD. It can't diagnose you but it can help your healthcare provider determine your needs better.
Signs and symptoms
Many people view ADHD as a disorder that affects children, but it can also occur in adults. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive kind of ADHD is more common in women than men. Symptoms of this subtype are not as obvious as those of the other two and they usually appear as symptoms that are internal, such as the inability to stay on task or a tendency to daydream.
Women with inattentive ADHD may experience lack of focus and poor time management and trouble paying attention in class. They may also have difficulties keeping track of their bills and appointments or completing household chores. Women may try to alleviate these problems by working harder or attempting to be more organized. But, this usually backfires and causes feelings of frustration. Some women turn to unhealthy ways of coping, for example, alcohol and drug consumption.
If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you recognize your symptoms and recommend you to a specialist if needed. Your doctor will want to know your family history, medical history and any other mental health issues that you might have that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides five ongoing symptoms that satisfy the criteria for 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 must have been present for at least six months in order to be diagnosed with either type of ADHD. They must also have a negative effect on your life and interfere with how well you function.
You can decrease the severity of your symptoms by following a balanced diet by exercising regularly and reduce your intake of sugary or processed food items. You can also use mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and help control impulsiveness, distractibility and promote a restful night's sleep. You can also speak with your doctor about taking medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is a vital step towards managing your symptoms and living the life you want to live. It's impossible to do it on your own. A mental health professional is required to evaluate your symptoms and perform an extensive physical examination. A medical professional will look over your history in order to rule out any other conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two main drugs for the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are more popular due to their speed of acting and have a more lasting effect than non stimulants. Your therapist or psychiatrist will prescribe an appropriate medication based on your needs. undiagnosed adhd in women is recommended to discuss your options so that they can make an informed decision about your symptoms.
Although ADHD is more common in males and females, cisgender women can be affected by the same symptoms. Because of gender bias, and the fact that many doctors aren't aware of the way ADHD affects women, it is difficult for them as adults to receive the correct diagnosis.
This assessment was designed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down to show how these symptoms look for women. It's not a way to diagnose you, but it can serve as a starting point to start a discussion with a medical professional or therapist about your issues.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator along with any relevant documents, such as the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of previous test results. The evaluator will go through the records to determine whether your symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluation will also ask you questions about your life and routines to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The evaluator may want to know, for example how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They'll also review your medical history and conduct some tests to rule out any other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
Treatment
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Medications are the most common therapy. They can help reduce symptoms and regulate brain activity, but they must be prescribed and under the supervision of a health professional. Stimulant medications are usually the first choice, but non-stimulants are also a possibility in certain instances. In addition to treating ADHD your doctor may suggest additional neuropsychological or psychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can hinder relationships and personal growth. Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult to read social cues and picking up on body language which can result in poor communication skills. This can create difficulties at work and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more susceptible to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of people suffering from ADHD continue to suffer from symptoms into adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to overcome the condition.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step in obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment. For a lot of adults who suffer from ADHD, their ADHD symptoms are more manageable as they get older. It can be difficult to get the help and support they require. The good news is that the current research on ADHD focuses on analyzing the impact of ADHD in women and is making advances in the diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to medication, many women with ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle modifications and strategies for treating. For instance certain women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can teach them organizational strategies and develop structures to enhance their lives and productivity. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches them to accept their thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thought patterns to healthier ones. Some women might also benefit from family therapy and marital counseling. They are able to communicate more effectively with their partners and resolve conflicts. Healthy sleep habits can help manage symptoms of ADHD such as difficulties sleeping and staying awake. This can be accomplished by having a regular sleep routine, listening relaxing to music or listening to an audiobook and staying away from electronics before going to bed.
Support
There are numerous resources available and a community of people who will help you, despite the fact that ADHD is not a recognized condition in women. If you're unsure where to start, ask your primary physician for recommendations or contact your insurance company for an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also an excellent idea to find an ADHD support group in your area. These groups can help you locate health care professionals with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD among adults. They can also provide a welcoming atmosphere.
Because girls and women typically experience different symptoms of ADHD than boys and men it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. Certain doctors may not understand these differences and may make incorrect diagnoses or employ unsuitable treatment strategies. This is particularly true when it comes the hyperactive impulsive and inattentional ADHD symptoms.
You can take a test online for female ADHD if you suspect you might be suffering from the disorder. This tool is free and was created with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on DSM 5 and is a screening tool that is based on DSM 5 Criteria. This is not a diagnostic test and should be accompanied by a consultation with a professional. Please note that this piece makes use of the words "male" and "female" to be referring to gender, but we believe in using the sex identities that represent the person's gender-specific identity.