ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who were born female disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it harder to receive an assessment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have lasted since childhood, technically before age 12. Doctors may conduct interviews with close family members and friends.
This test will allow you to compare your symptoms with the symptoms of women suffering from ADHD. It isn't a way to diagnose you but it can help your healthcare provider to better understand your needs.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect adults as well. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe the inattentive form of ADHD is more common in women. This subtype is less obvious than the other two. It is usually manifested as internal symptoms, such as a lack of focus or a tendency to daydream.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms in women can include the inability to pay attention in class or at work, and inadequate time management abilities. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their bills and appointments, as well as doing household chores. Women may try to compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. However, this can backfire and can cause feelings of frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as drinking or taking drugs.
If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can assist you in identifying symptoms and refer you if needed to a specialist. Your doctor will need to know your family history, medical history and any other mental health issues that you might have that might mimic the effects of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides five ongoing signs that meet the criteria needed for ADHD diagnoses. 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 before you can be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms are also negative to your life and affecting how well you perform.
You can manage your symptoms by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can also limit your intake of processed or sugary food items. You can also use mindfulness meditation to relax your mind and help manage impulsivity, distraction and promote restful sleeping. You may also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is a significant step in managing symptoms and having the life you desire. However, it's not something you're able to do by yourself. A mental health professional is required to assess your symptoms and perform an extensive physical examination. A medical doctor will review your medical history to determine if there are any other conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Many people with ADHD are treated right away after being diagnosed. There are two main medications for the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants tend to be more popular due to their speed of acting and have a longer lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your psychiatrist or therapist will prescribe the right medication based on your needs. It is best to discuss your options with them so they can make the best decision regarding your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent among boys and men however, females who are cisgender can also be affected by its symptoms. Unfortunately, because of the gender-based bias and the fact that a lot of doctors don't realize how ADHD can affect women, it is more difficult for women to receive a proper diagnosis as adults.
This assessment was designed with the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based upon the DSM-5 criteria but broken down to show how these symptoms look for women. It cannot diagnose you however it can serve as a starting point to start an interview with a doctor or therapist about your symptoms.
When you go to the evaluator, bring all of your symptoms along with any records that may be relevant, such as performance evaluations from work or old test results. The evaluator examines the records to determine if they meet the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator might also ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and habits in order to determine the severity of your symptoms.
For example, the evaluator will be looking to determine how long your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've interfered with your life. They will also go over your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are many treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. Medications are the most common therapy. They can ease symptoms and control brain activity, but must be prescribed and taken under the supervision of a health professional. In most cases, stimulant medications are the first choice. However, non-stimulant drugs may be used in certain situations. In addition to addressing ADHD your doctor might recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships and personal growth. adhd in women treatment with ADHD typically have a difficult to read social cues and understanding body language and this can lead to inadequate communication skills. This can lead to difficulties at work or at home. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more susceptible to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. It is estimated that 60% of adults with ADHD continue to suffer from symptoms into adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to outgrow the condition.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step in obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment. As adults age, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it is still difficult for them to get the help and support they need. The good news is that current research on ADHD is geared towards understanding its effects on women, and advancements in diagnosis and treatment are being made.
In addition to medications, many women with ADHD benefit from a variety of lifestyle changes and therapeutic strategies. For instance certain women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can assist them with how to organize their lives and establish structures to improve their life and productivity. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches women to accept their feelings and thoughts and replace negative thought patterns with more positive ones. Women might also benefit from family therapy and marital counseling. They can develop the ability to communicate better with their partners and work out conflicts. Healthy sleeping habits can help with symptoms of ADHD such as difficulty staying awake and falling asleep. This includes a regular sleep routine, listening to relaxing to music or listening to an audiobook and staying away from electronics before going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is not well-diagnosed however, there are plenty of resources and a large community of people who are willing to help you. Consult your primary care physician for recommendations, or contact your insurance provider to find an ADHD specialist near you. Additionally, it's always an excellent idea to search for an ADHD support group in your area. A lot of these groups will help you find health care professionals who are experienced with diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults and provide a safe and supportive environment.
Because women and girls often have different symptoms of ADHD than boys and men They can be a challenge for doctors to recognize. Some physicians may misunderstand or underestimate these differences, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and poor treatment strategies. This is especially applicable to hyperactive impulsive and inattentional ADHD symptoms.
You can take a test online for female ADHD if you suspect you may be suffering from the disorder. This free screening tool was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on DSM 5 and is a screening tool based on DSM 5 Criteria. It is not a diagnostic test and should be followed up with a professional consultation. It is important to note that this article employs the words "male" and "female" to be referring to gender, but we will use sex identities that reflect the person's gender-specific identity.