ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and people who are assigned female at birth disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it more difficult to determine the cause.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have existed from childhood, technically before age 12. Doctors may interview close family members and friends.
Take this test to determine the way your symptoms compare to those of a woman suffering from ADHD. It can't diagnose you however it will help your healthcare professional to better understand your needs.
Symptoms
ADHD can be a problem for adults too. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive type of ADHD is more prevalent in women than males. This subtype is less evident than the other two. It usually manifests as a result of internal issues like the inability to concentrate or a tendency to think about daydreaming.
Women with inattentive ADHD are prone to lack of focus and poor time management and difficulties paying attention in class. They may also have difficulties keeping track of their bills and appointments or completing household chores. Women may compensate by working harder or being more organized. However, this can backfire and can cause feelings of frustration. Some women resort to 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 mental health professional. They can assist you in identifying symptoms and refer you if you require an expert. Your doctor will inquire about your family history, medical history, and any mental health issues that might cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines five continuous symptoms that satisfy 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.
You must have had symptoms for at minimum six consecutive months prior to when you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They should also have a negative impact on your daily life and interfere with how well you perform.
You can decrease the severity of your symptoms by eating a healthy diet by exercising regularly and cutting down on processed or sugary foods. You can also try mindfulness meditation to calm your body and mind to manage impulsiveness and distraction, and promote restful sleep. You may also discuss with your doctor about the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important step toward managing symptoms and living the life you want. However, it's not something you're able to do on your own. A mental health professional will be required to examine your symptoms and perform an extensive physical exam. A medical professional will look over your medical history to rule out any other conditions that could mimic ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two types of medications to treat the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed because they perform more quickly and have a longer-lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your psychiatrist or therapist will prescribe the right medication based on your needs. It is recommended to discuss all your options so that they can make an informed choice about your symptoms.
Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females but cisgender women may suffer from the same symptoms. Due to gender bias, and due to the fact that a lot of doctors aren't aware of the ways ADHD affects women, it is challenging for them to receive the correct diagnosis.
This assessment was designed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based off the DSM-5 criteria and is broken down into symptoms for women. It is not a diagnostic tool, but you can use it as a starting point for a discussion with a medical doctor or therapist regarding your symptoms.
Bring all of your symptoms to the evaluator along with any relevant records like the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of previous test results. The evaluator will examine them to determine whether your symptoms are in line with DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator could also ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and habits in order to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The evaluator might be interested in knowing what, for instance how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms and how they have affected your life. They will also review your medical history and run some tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
The management of ADHD in adulthood can be challenging However, there are solutions available. The most commonly used treatment is medication. They can aid in regulating brain activity and reduce symptoms however, they should be prescribed by medical professionals and administered under their supervision. The stimulant medications are typically the first choice, however non-stimulants can also be utilized in certain situations. In addition to treating ADHD your doctor may recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological tests to determine the effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships and personal development. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have a harder in recognizing social cues as well as 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 are also at greater risk for mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. In fact, it is thought that 60% of those with ADHD have symptoms that last into adulthood, and women are less likely to recover from their condition than men.
The most important step to finding a diagnosis and treating ADHD is recognition. For a lot of adults, their ADHD symptoms become more manageable as they age. It is challenging for them to get the help and support they need. The good news is that the current research on ADHD is geared toward understanding its impacts in women, and advances in treatment and diagnosis are being made.
add in adult women with ADHD are able to benefit from a change in lifestyle and therapeutic methods in addition to medications. Women with ADHD benefit from working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them to develop strategies for organizing and creating structures that improve their efficiency and overall quality of life. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their feelings and thoughts and replace negative thought patterns with healthier ones. Women might also benefit from family therapy or marital counseling. They can develop the ability to communicate more effectively with their partners and work out conflicts. Healthy sleeping habits can help manage symptoms of ADHD like difficulty getting up and falling asleep. This includes a regular sleep routine, listening relaxing music or reading an audiobook and avoiding electronics before going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is underdiagnosed, there are many resources and a large community of people ready to support you. Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations, or contact your insurance company to locate an ADHD specialist in your area. Also, it's recommended to search for an ADHD support group in your area. A lot of these groups will assist you in finding health care specialists who are proficient in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and can provide a safe and supportive environment.
Doctors may have difficulty diagnosing women and girls with ADHD, as they often have different symptoms than boys and men. Some doctors might not be aware of these differences and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ unsuitable treatment strategies. This is particularly relevant to hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms.
You can take a test online for female ADHD in case you suspect that you may have the disorder. This free tool for screening was designed 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. It is not a diagnostic test and should be followed up with professional advice. Please note that this piece makes use of the words "male" and "female" to refer to gender, but we will use sex identities that reflect the person's affirmation of gender identity.