ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and people who are born female can disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it harder to get an accurate diagnosis.
To be eligible for ADHD to be recognized the symptoms must have been present since the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors can interview close friends and family members.
Take this test to determine how your symptoms compare with those of women with ADHD. This test doesn't diagnose anything but it could help your healthcare provider get more insight into your needs.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be a problem for adults too. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe the inattentive version of ADHD is more common in women. The symptoms of this subtype are not as obvious as those of the other two, and usually manifest as internal symptoms like inability to stay on task or frequent daydreaming.
Women with inattentive ADHD may experience lack of focus, poor time management, and difficulty paying attention in classes. They may also have difficulty keeping track of expenses and appointments or performing household chores. Women may compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. However, this can backfire and can cause feelings of frustration. Some women turn to unhealthy ways of coping like alcohol and drug drinking.
If you suspect you have ADHD, you should talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you recognize signs and refer you if required to a specialist. Your doctor will be interested in knowing your medical history, family history, and any other mental health issues you may have that may be causing the effects of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines 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.
You must have had symptoms for at least six consecutive months before you can be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms are also impacting your life negatively and affecting how well you function.
You can reduce your symptoms by eating an exercise and diet plan that is healthy and regularly. You can also reduce your intake of processed or sugary foods. You can also try mindfulness meditation to help calm your body and mind to manage impulsiveness and distraction and promote restful sleep. It is also possible to talk with your doctor about taking medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial step towards managing your symptoms and having the life you want. But it's not something you can do on your own. A mental health professional is required to assess your symptoms, and conduct an extensive physical examination. A medical professional will go over your medical history to determine if there are any other conditions that could be related to ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two types of medications that treat 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. The type of medication your therapist or psychiatrist prescribes for you will be based on your specific needs. It is best to discuss all options with them to make an informed decision about your symptoms.
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, women who are cisgender can suffer from the same issues. Unfortunately, because of the gender-based bias and the fact that a lot of doctors don't realize how ADHD can affect women, it can be more difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis as adults.
This online assessment was created using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based on the DSM-5 criteria and has been broken down into symptoms for women. While it's not able to tell you if you're, you can use it to initiate an interview with a therapist, or a medical doctor about your symptoms.
If you visit the evaluator, be prepared with all of your symptoms along with any other records that could be relevant, like performance evaluations from your job or copies of test results. The evaluator will examine the records to determine whether your symptoms are in line with DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator may also ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and habits to determine the severity of symptoms.
The evaluator may want to know, for example, how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They'll also review your medical history and conduct a few tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
Treatment
Managing ADHD in adulthood can be challenging However, treatments are available. The most common treatment is medication. They can aid in regulating brain activity and ease symptoms however they should be prescribed by a healthcare professional and taken under their supervision. In most instances, stimulant medications are the first option. However, non-stimulant drugs can be prescribed in certain cases. In addition to treating ADHD, your doctor may suggest additional neuropsychological or psychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can affect relationships and personal development. Women with ADHD tend to have a harder time reading social cues and picking up on body language and this can lead to inadequate communication skills. This can cause issues at home and work. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more susceptible to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. In fact, it's believed that 60% of people who suffer from 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 in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and treatment. As adults get older, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it's difficult for them to receive the assistance and support they need. The good news is that current research on ADHD is focused on understanding its impact on women and is making advances in the treatment and diagnosis.
Many women with ADHD can benefit from lifestyle changes and therapeutic approaches in addition to medication. Certain women who suffer from ADHD benefit from working closely with an ADHD coach, who can help them develop organizational strategies and create structures to improve their performance and quality of life. Other treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them accept their thoughts and feelings, while swapping negative thinking patterns for healthier ones. Family therapy and counseling for couples are also beneficial for certain women. They are able to communicate better with their partners and work out conflicts. Healthy sleep habits can aid in managing symptoms of ADHD such as difficulties sleeping and staying awake. adhd symptoms for women means an established routine for bedtime, listening to relaxing music or audiobooks and avoiding electronic devices or screen time before going to sleeping.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is not well-diagnosed however, there are plenty of resources and a whole community of people who are willing to help you. If you're not sure where to begin, consult your primary care physician for recommendations or call your insurance company for an ADHD specialist in your area. Additionally, it's always an excellent idea to search for an ADHD support group in your region. A lot of these groups will assist you in finding health experts who are skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and can offer a welcoming environment.
Because girls and women typically have different symptoms of ADHD than men and boys it can be difficult for doctors to identify. Some doctors might not be aware of these differences and may make incorrect diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is particularly relevant to the hyperactive, impulsive and inattention symptoms of ADHD.
If you suspect that you have ADHD You can take the female ADHD test online. This free screening tool was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is built 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 professional consultation. Please note that the article uses "male" and "female" as terms to refer to gender. However, we are committed to using sex identities that reflect a person’s affirmed gender.