ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who are born female (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD often mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have been present since childhood, technically before the age of 12. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
This quiz will help you assess your symptoms against those of women with ADHD. It can't diagnose you but it will help your healthcare professional understand your needs better.
Symptoms
Many people view ADHD as a disorder that affects children, however 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 in women. This subtype is less obvious than the other two. It typically manifests as internal symptoms, such as an inability to focus or a tendency for daydreaming.
Women with inattention ADHD are prone to forgetfulness as well as poor time management and difficulties paying attention at work or in class. They may also have trouble keeping track of expenses and appointments or completing household chores. Women may try to compensate by working harder or being more organized. However, this can backfire and creates feelings of anger. Some women resort unhealthy ways of coping, such as drug or alcohol use.
If you think you might have ADHD and are concerned, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you recognize symptoms and refer you if you require an expert. Your doctor will ask about your family history, medical history, and any mental health issues that may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides five ongoing symptoms that satisfy 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.
Your symptoms must have lasted for at least six months before you can be diagnosed with any type of ADHD. They should also have a negative impact on your life and affect how you perform.
You can lessen the severity of your symptoms by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing your intake of processed or sugary food items. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to help you relax your body and mind to manage impulsiveness and distraction and promote restful sleep. add in adult women can also speak with your doctor about using medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is an essential step towards managing your symptoms and living the life you've always wanted. However, it's not something you're able to do on your own. A mental health professional is required to examine your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical exam. A medical professional will also examine your medical background to rule out other issues that may be similar to ADHD.
Many people with ADHD are treated right away after being diagnosed. There are two main treatments for the disorder that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed because they perform more quickly and provide a longer-lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your psychiatrist or therapist will prescribe a medication based on your needs. It is best to discuss your options with them to ensure they can make the best choice regarding your symptoms.
While ADHD is more common in boys and men but cisgender women may be affected by the same symptoms. Unfortunately, because of the gender discrimination and the fact that a lot of doctors aren't aware of how ADHD can affect women, it can be more difficult for women to receive a proper diagnosis as adults.
This online assessment was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on the DSM-5 criteria but broken down to illustrate how these symptoms manifest for women. It is not a diagnostic tool, however, you can use it as a basis for a discussion with a doctor or therapist about your issues.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator along with any relevant documents like the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of test results. The evaluator reviews the records to determine if they are in line with the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluation will also ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The evaluator may want to know what, for instance how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they have affected your life. They will also review your medical history and perform tests to rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
Managing ADHD in adulthood can be difficult However, there are solutions available. The most commonly used treatment is medication. They can reduce symptoms and control brain activity, but must be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a health professional. The stimulant medications are typically the first choice, however non-stimulants are also a possibility in some cases. In addition to treating ADHD your doctor may suggest additional neuropsychological or psychological tests to determine the effects of co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
The symptoms of ADHD can affect relationships and personal development. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have a harder time reading social cues and understanding body language, which can lead to inadequate communication skills. This can create difficulties at workplace and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of adults with ADHD are still suffering from symptoms in adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to overcome 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 to get the assistance and support they need. The good news is that the current research on ADHD focuses on understanding the effects of ADHD in women and is making advances in diagnosis and treatments.
In addition to medication, many women with ADHD benefit from a variety of lifestyle modifications and strategies for treating. Some women with ADHD benefit by working closely with an ADHD coach, who can help them create organizational strategies and structures that improve their efficiency and overall quality of life. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches women to accept their thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones. Women may also benefit from family therapy and marital counseling. They are able to communicate more effectively with their partners and resolve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a huge difference in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying focused and falling asleep at night. This means a regular bedtime routine, listening to soothing music or reading an audiobook, and avoiding electronic devices before the bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women isn't well-diagnosed however, there are plenty of resources and a huge community of people ready to support you. Consult your primary care doctor for recommendations, or phone your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist in your area. Additionally, it's always recommended to search for an ADHD support group in your region. A lot of these groups will assist you in finding health care specialists who are proficient in diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults and provide a supportive environment.
Because women and girls often experience different symptoms of ADHD than men and boys They can be a challenge for doctors to identify. adhd symptoms for women may misunderstand the differences between them and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is especially applicable to the hyperactive, impulsive and inattentional symptoms of ADHD.
You can take a test on the internet for female ADHD in case you suspect that you may have the disorder. This free tool for screening was created 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 an assessment test for diagnosing ADHD and should be followed by a professional consultation. It is important to note that the article makes use of "male" and 'female" as terms that refer to gender. However we believe in using sex identities that reflect the person's gender-affirming.