ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who are born female disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This makes it harder to determine the cause.
To be eligible for ADHD to be considered a diagnosis symptoms must be present since the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
This quiz will help you examine your symptoms in relation to those of women who suffer from ADHD. This test isn't a diagnostic tool but it could provide your healthcare professional with a better understanding of your requirements.
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 the inability to concentrate or a tendency to daydream.
Women who are not attentive ADHD may experience inattention as well as poor time management and trouble paying attention at work or in class. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their bills or appointments, or even completing household tasks. Women may try to alleviate these issues by working harder or trying to be more organized. This could backfire and lead to frustration. Some women turn to unhealthy coping behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use.
You should speak to your doctor or a mental health professional if you think that you might be suffering from ADHD. They can assist you in identifying your symptoms and send you to a specialist if necessary. Your doctor will be interested in knowing your medical history, family history, and any other mental health issues that you might have that may be causing the effects 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.
Your symptoms must have lasted for at least six months before you can be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD. They must also have a negative impact on your life and affect how you function.
You can lessen the severity of your symptoms by eating a balanced diet by exercising regularly and reducing your intake of sugary or processed foods. You can also try mindfulness meditation to 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
A diagnosis of ADHD is a crucial step in managing symptoms and living the life you've always wanted. But it's not something you're able to do by yourself. A mental health professional is required to evaluate your symptoms and conduct an exhaustive physical exam. A medical doctor will also review your background to rule out other issues that may be similar to ADHD.
In most cases, people who are diagnosed with ADHD seek treatment immediately. There are two types of medications to treat the disorder: stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most popular due to their speed of acting and have a longer lasting effect than non stimulants. The kind of medication that your therapist or psychiatrist prescribes to you will depend on your particular needs. It is recommended to discuss all your options so that they can make an informed decision about your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent among males and females, cisgender females can also be affected by its symptoms. Because of gender bias and the fact that many doctors are not aware of how ADHD affects women, it is challenging for them to receive the right diagnosis.
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 illustrate how these symptoms manifest for women. While it's not able to tell you if you're however, it can be used to start conversations with a therapist, or a medical doctor regarding your symptoms.
When you go to the evaluator, be prepared with all your symptoms and any records that may be relevant, like performance evaluations from work or old test results. The evaluator will go through them to see whether your symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator will also ask questions about your lifestyle and habits to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The evaluator might be interested in knowing, for example how long you've had experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also look over your medical history, and perform tests to rule out conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly used treatment is medication. They can reduce symptoms and control brain activity, but they must be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a health professional. Stimulant medication is usually the first choice, however non-stimulants can also be utilized in some cases. In addition to addressing ADHD your doctor may recommend additional neuropsychological or psychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can affect the development of relationships and personal growth. More methods with ADHD may have difficulty interpreting social cues and interpreting body language. This can lead to poor communication. This can lead to difficulties at work and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of people suffering from ADHD still have symptoms in adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to outgrow the condition.
The most important step in finding a diagnosis and treating ADHD is recognizing. As we get older, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it is still 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 in women and is making progress in the treatment and diagnosis.
Many women with ADHD can benefit from a change in lifestyle and therapeutic methods in addition to medications. For instance certain women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can help them learn how to organize their lives and establish strategies to improve their lives and productivity. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones. Women who are pregnant may also benefit from family therapy and counseling for marital issues. They are able to communicate better with their partners and resolve conflicts. Healthy sleeping habits can aid in managing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty getting up and falling asleep. This means a regular bedtime routine or listening to calming audiobooks or music and avoiding electronic devices or screen time before going to sleeping.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is not well-diagnosed, there are plenty of resources and a whole community of people who are willing to support you. Ask your primary care physician for recommendations, or phone your insurance provider to find an ADHD specialist near you. Additionally, it's always recommended to search for an ADHD support group in your region. These groups can assist you to find health care professionals who have experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD among adults, and can also provide a welcoming environment.
Because girls and women typically suffer from different symptoms of ADHD than men and boys, they can be difficult for doctors to recognize. Certain doctors may be misinformed or overlook the differences between them, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and poor treatment strategies. This is particularly relevant to impulsive hyperactive and inattentive ADHD symptoms.
You can take a test on the internet for female ADHD if you suspect you may be suffering from the disorder. This free screening tool is based on DSM 5 criteria and was designed with the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnostic test and should be followed by a professional consultation. Please note that this piece employs the words "male" and "female" to refer to gender, but we are committed to using gender identities that reflect the person's gender-specific identity.