ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and people who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) who have ADHD often hide their symptoms. This can make it more difficult to determine the cause.
For ADHD to be diagnosed the symptoms must have been present from the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors are able to interview family members and friends.
Take this test to find out how your symptoms compare to those of a woman suffering from ADHD. This test isn't a diagnostic tool but it could help your healthcare provider get an understanding of your needs.
Symptoms
Many people think of ADHD as an illness that affects children, however it can also be seen in adults. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive form of ADHD is more prevalent in women than men. The symptoms of this subtype are less obvious than those of the other two and typically manifest as internal signs such as inability to stay on task or a tendency to daydream.
Women who are not attentive ADHD may experience lack of focus and poor time management and difficulties paying attention at work or in class. They may also have difficulties keeping track of expenses or appointments, or even completing household tasks. Women may try to compensate by working harder or being more organized. However, this often backfires and creates feelings of anger. Some women resort unhealthy methods of coping, like drug or alcohol use.
It is recommended to speak with your doctor or a mental health professional if you think you may have ADHD. They can assist you in identifying symptoms and refer you if needed to a specialist. Your doctor will ask about your family history, 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 ongoing symptoms to meet 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.
You must have had symptoms for at minimum six consecutive months prior to when you can be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must also be affecting your life negatively and impacting your ability to perform.
You can reduce the severity of your symptoms by following a healthy diet by exercising regularly and reduce your intake of sugary or processed food items. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to relax your mind and help manage impulsivity, distraction and promote restful 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 in managing symptoms and living the life you've always wanted. However it's not something you're able do by yourself. A mental health professional is needed to examine your symptoms and conduct an exhaustive physical examination. A medical doctor will review your history in order to determine if there are any other conditions that could be related to ADHD.
In many cases, those who are diagnosed with ADHD seek treatment immediately. There are two main medications for the disorder that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are more popular due to their speed of in their action and have a longer lasting effect than non-stimulants. The kind of medication that your psychiatrist or therapist prescribes for you will be based on your particular needs. It is best to discuss your options with them so they can make the best choice regarding your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more common among males and females however, females who are cisgender can also suffer from the symptoms. Due to the gender-based bias and the fact that a lot of doctors aren't aware of the ways ADHD can affect women, it is more difficult for women to receive a reliable diagnosis as adults.
This online assessment was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based off the DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down into women's symptoms. It is not a diagnostic tool, however, you can use it as a starting point for an interview with a medical professional or therapist regarding your symptoms.
When you go to the evaluator, be prepared with all your symptoms as well as any records that may be relevant, such as performance evaluations from your job or old test results. The evaluator will review the records to determine whether your symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluater will also ask questions about your lifestyle and habits to help determine the severity of your symptoms.
For instance, the examiner will need to know the length of time your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've interferred with your daily life. They'll also review your medical history and conduct a few tests to rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for instance seizures or thyroid problems.
Treatment
There are many treatment options for adults with ADHD. Medicines are the most popular treatment. They can aid in regulating brain activity and ease symptoms, but they should be prescribed by a healthcare professional and taken under their supervision. In the majority of instances, stimulant medications are the first option. However, non-stimulant medicines can be prescribed in certain cases. In addition to treating ADHD your doctor may recommend additional neuropsychological or psychological tests to assess the impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships and personal development. Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty reading social cues or understanding body language. This can result in inadequate communication. This can cause problems at workplace and at home. Women with ADHD also have a higher risk of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In fact, it is believed that 60% of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms that last into adulthood, and women are less likely to outgrow their condition than men.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step towards obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment. As people age, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. It can be difficult for them to receive the help and support they require. The good news is that current research on ADHD is focused on analyzing the impact of ADHD in women and is making progress in the diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to medications, many women with ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle modifications and therapeutic strategies. For example certain women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can assist them with organizational strategies and develop strategies to improve their lives and productivity. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches women to accept their feelings and thoughts while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones. Family therapy and counseling for marriage can be beneficial to some women. adhd in adults women can learn to communicate better with their partners and work out conflicts. A healthy sleep routine can aid in managing symptoms of ADHD such as difficulties getting up and falling asleep. This can be accomplished by having a regular sleep routine, listening to soothing music or reading an audiobook and staying away from electronics before bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is not well-diagnosed, there are many resources and a large community of people willing to assist you. If you're not sure where to start, ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or phone your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also recommended to join an ADHD support group near you. These groups can assist you in finding health specialists who are proficient in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and can offer a welcoming environment.
Doctors may have difficulty diagnosing girls and women with ADHD because they typically have different symptoms than boys and men. Certain doctors may be misinformed or underestimate the difference, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses and ineffective treatment strategies. This is especially true when it comes the impulsive hyperactive and inattentive ADHD symptoms.
If you think you might have ADHD If you think you might be suffering from ADHD, take a female ADHD test online. This test is free and based on DSM 5 criteria and was created with the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnosis test and should be followed by a consultation with a professional. It is important to note that this article uses the terms "male" and "female" to be referring to gender, but we are committed to using sex identities that reflect a person's affirmed gender identity.