ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who were born female disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This makes it harder to get a diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have existed since childhood, technically prior to age 12. Doctors may conduct interviews with close family and friends.
Use this quiz to see how your symptoms compare with those of women with ADHD. This quiz can't diagnose, but it can give your healthcare professional more insight into your needs.
Symptoms
Many people think of ADHD as a disorder that affects children, but it can also manifest in adults. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive kind of ADHD is more prevalent in women than males. This subtype is less evident than the other two. It usually manifests as a result of internal issues, such as an inability to focus or a tendency to think about daydreaming.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms for women could include the inability to pay attention in classes or at work, and poor time management abilities. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their bills and appointments or completing household chores. Women may try to compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. This could backfire and lead to frustration. Women may resort to unhealthy ways of coping, such as drinking or using drugs.
If you think you might have ADHD or other related disorders, you should speak to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you identify your symptoms and send you to a specialist when needed. Your doctor will ask about your family history, your medical history, and any mental health issues that might cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines five ongoing symptoms that meet the criteria 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.
You must have experienced symptoms for at least six consecutive months before you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They must also have a negative effect on your life and affect how you perform.
You can reduce the severity of your symptoms by following a healthy diet by exercising regularly and reducing your intake of sugary or processed food items. You can also utilize mindfulness meditation to calm your mind and help you manage impulsivity, distraction and promote restful sleep. You could also discuss with your doctor about the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is a vital step to managing the symptoms and living the life you've always wanted. It's not possible to do it by yourself. A mental health professional is required to assess your symptoms, and conduct an extensive physical exam. A medical doctor will also review your history to rule out other issues that may be similar to ADHD.
Many people with ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two main medications for the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are more commonly used because they are more effective and have a longer-lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your therapist or psychiatrist will prescribe the right medication based on your requirements. It is best to discuss your options with them so they can make the most informed decision about your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent among males and females but cisgender females too can suffer from its symptoms. Due to gender bias, and because many doctors are not aware of how ADHD affects women, it can be difficult for them to receive the right diagnosis.
This assessment was designed by keeping the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based on DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down to reveal how these symptoms appear for women. It cannot diagnose you but it can serve as a basis for a discussion with a doctor or therapist about your issues.
If you visit the evaluator, be prepared with all of your symptoms along with any records that may be relevant, such as performance evaluations from work or old test results. The evaluator will go through the records to determine whether your symptoms match 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 be interested in knowing what, for instance, how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also look over your medical history, and run some tests to rule out conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are many treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most common treatment is medication. They can aid in regulating brain activity and ease symptoms however, they must be prescribed by medical professionals and taken under their supervision. In most instances, stimulant medication is the first choice. However, non-stimulant medications can be prescribed in certain cases. Your doctor may also recommend neuropsychological or psychological tests to determine the impact of coexisting disorders like anxiety or depression.
The symptoms of ADHD can hinder relationships and personal growth. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have a harder 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 are also at a higher risk for mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. In fact, it's believed that 60% of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms that last into adulthood and women are less likely to recover from their condition than men.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step to getting the right diagnosis and treatment. For a lot of adults, their ADHD symptoms become more manageable as they age. It can be difficult to get the assistance and support they need. The good news is, the current research on ADHD is focused on analyzing the impact of ADHD on women and is making advancements in the treatment and diagnosis.
In addition to medication in addition to medication, many women with ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle changes and therapeutic strategies. Women with ADHD benefit by working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them develop strategies for organizing and creating structures to boost their performance and quality of life. adhd in women adult include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their feelings and thoughts while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones. Some women might also benefit from family therapy and marital counseling. They can learn how to communicate more effectively with their spouses and how to solve conflicts. Healthy sleep habits can aid in managing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty getting up and falling asleep. This means a regular bedtime routine, listening to relaxing to music or listening to an audiobook and avoiding electronics before bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is underdiagnosed There are plenty of resources and a large community of people ready to support you. Consult your primary doctor for recommendations, or call your insurance company 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 experts who are skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults and offer a welcoming environment.
Doctors may have difficulty diagnosing women and girls with ADHD because they typically have different symptoms than boys and men. Some doctors may misunderstand these differences and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ unsuitable treatment strategies. This is particularly true when it comes the impulsive hyperactive and inattentive ADHD symptoms.
You can take a test on the internet for female ADHD if you suspect you might be suffering from the disorder. This free test is 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. Be aware that the article makes use of "male" and 'female" as terms that refer to gender. However we believe in using sex identity that reflects the person's affirmation of gender.