ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and people who are born female mask their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have been present since childhood, technically before age 12. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
This test will allow you to assess your symptoms against those of women with ADHD. It's not a diagnostic tool however it can help your healthcare provider understand 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 version of ADHD is more common among women. Symptoms of this subtype are less obvious than those of the other two, and usually manifest as internal symptoms like inability to stay on task or a frequent daydreaming.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in women can include inattention deficit, forgetfulness in class or at work, and inadequate time management abilities. They may also have difficulty keeping track of bills, appointments, or complete household chores. Women may compensate for these problems by working harder or trying to be more organized. However, this can backfire and can cause feelings of frustration. Some women resort unhealthy ways of coping, such as drug or alcohol use.
If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can assist you in identifying your symptoms and refer you to a specialist when needed. Your doctor will want to know your family history, medical history and any other mental health issues you might have that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines five ongoing symptoms that meet the criteria needed 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 lasted for at least six months in order to be diagnosed with any type of ADHD. adhd in women signs should also have a negative impact on your life and interfere with how well you perform.
You can manage your symptoms by following an exercise and diet plan that is healthy and regularly. You can also reduce your intake of processed and sugary foods. You can also utilize mindfulness meditation to calm your mind and help manage impulsivity, distraction and promote restful sleep. You can also speak with your doctor about using medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is a crucial step towards managing your symptoms and living the life you've always wanted. It's not possible to manage it on your own. A mental health professional is required to examine your symptoms and perform a thorough physical exam. A medical doctor will also review your history to rule out other problems that can mimic ADHD.
In many cases, those who are diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment immediately. There are two main treatments for the disorder which are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are more commonly used because they perform more quickly and provide a longer-lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your psychiatrist or therapist will prescribe an appropriate medication based on your needs. It is best to discuss all your options with them to make an informed decision regarding your symptoms.
While ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, women who are cisgender can be affected by the same symptoms. Due to the gender-based bias and the fact that many doctors aren't aware of how ADHD can affect women, it can be more difficult for women to receive a reliable diagnosis as adults.
This online assessment was created by keeping the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based on the DSM-5 criteria but broken down to illustrate how these symptoms manifest for women. While it's not able to tell you if you're but you can use it to start a conversation with a therapist, or a medical doctor about your symptoms.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator, along with any relevant documents, such as workplace performance evaluations or copies of previous test results. The evaluator will review them to determine if they are in line with the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator may also ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and habits to determine the severity of symptoms.
For instance, the evaluator will be looking to determine how long your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've affected with your life. They will also go over your medical history and run some tests to rule out any conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options for adults with ADHD. The most common treatment is medication. They can help regulate the brain's activity and alleviate symptoms, but they should be prescribed by a healthcare professional and administered under their supervision. The stimulant medications are typically the first choice, but non-stimulants are also a possibility in some cases. In addition to addressing ADHD your doctor might recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological tests to assess the impact of co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can interfere with personal growth and relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD often have a harder in recognizing social cues as well as recognizing body language which can result in poor communication skills. This can cause problems at home and at work. Women with ADHD are also at higher risk of developing mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of adults with 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 to getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. For many adults, their ADHD symptoms are more manageable as they age. It is challenging for them to receive the assistance and support they need. The good news is, current research on ADHD is focused on understanding the effects of ADHD on women and is making advances in the treatment and diagnosis.
Many women with ADHD can benefit from a change in their lifestyle and therapeutic strategies in addition to medication. Certain women with ADHD benefit by working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them to develop strategies for organizing and creating structures that improve their productivity and life. Other treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches them to accept their thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thought patterns to healthier ones. Women who are pregnant might also benefit from family therapy and marital counseling. They can develop the ability to communicate more effectively with their partners and settle conflicts. The practice of healthy sleep habits can also make a significant difference in reducing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying focused and falling to sleep at late at night. This can be accomplished by having regular bedtime routines and listening to soothing music or an audiobook and avoiding electronic devices or screen time just before going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is underdiagnosed There are many resources and a huge community of people who are willing to help you. If you're unsure where to begin, consult your primary care physician for recommendations or call your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist in your region. Also, it's an excellent idea to search for an ADHD support group in your region. These groups can assist you in finding health care experts who are skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and offer a welcoming environment.
Doctors may face difficulties diagnosing women and girls with ADHD as they usually exhibit different symptoms than boys and men. Certain doctors may not understand these differences and may make incorrect diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is especially relevant to hyperactive impulsive and inattentional ADHD symptoms.
You can take an online test for female ADHD if you suspect you may have the disorder. This free screening tool is built on DSM 5 criteria and was developed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnosis test and should be accompanied by a professional consultation. Please note that this piece uses the terms "male" and "female" to refer to gender, however, we are committed to using gender identities that reflect the person's affirmation of gender identity.