ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Females and women who have been born female (AFAB) who have ADHD often mask their symptoms. This can make it harder to receive an assessment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have lasted from childhood, technically before age 12. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
Use this quiz to see the way your symptoms compare to those of women with ADHD. It isn't a way to diagnose you, but it can help your healthcare provider to better understand your needs.
Symptoms
Many people think of ADHD as a disorder that affects children, however it can also be seen in adults. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe the inattentive form of ADHD is more common in women. The symptoms of this subtype are not as obvious as those of the other two and they usually appear as internal signs such as inability to focus or frequent daydreaming.
Women with inattentive ADHD may experience forgetfulness as well as poor time management and trouble paying attention at work or in class. They may also have trouble keeping track of their bills 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. Women may resort to unhealthy methods of coping, like drinking or using drugs.
If you think you might have ADHD or other related disorders, you should speak to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you identify symptoms and refer you when required to an expert. Your doctor will be interested in knowing your medical history, family history, and any other mental health issues you might have that might mimic the effects of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides five ongoing symptoms that satisfy 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 been present for at least six months in order to be diagnosed with any type of ADHD. They must also have a negative impact on your life and interfere with how well you perform.
You can decrease the severity of your symptoms by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and reducing your intake of processed or sugary foods. You can also use mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and assist you to control impulsiveness, distractibility and promote restful sleeping. You can also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important step toward managing symptoms and having the life you desire. However it's not something you can do on your own. A mental health professional is required to evaluate your symptoms and conduct an extensive physical examination. A medical professional will go over your medical history to rule out any other medical conditions that could mimic ADHD.
In many cases, those who are diagnosed with ADHD get treatment right away. There are two main treatments for the disorder which are stimulants and non-stimulants. The more popular use of stimulants is because they are more effective and have a longer-lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your therapist or psychiatrist will prescribe the right medication based on the needs of your. It is recommended to discuss your options with them to ensure they can make the most informed decision about your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more common among males and boys but cisgender females too can suffer from the symptoms. Unfortunately, because of the gender-based bias and the fact that many doctors aren't aware of the ways ADHD can affect women, it can be more difficult for women to receive a proper diagnosis as adults.
This assessment online was developed with the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based on DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down to show how these symptoms look for women. It cannot diagnose you but you can use it as a basis for an interview with a medical doctor or therapist about your issues.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator with any relevant documentation such as the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of previous test results. The evaluator will review the records to determine if they meet the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator may also ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits in order to determine the severity of symptoms.
For instance, the examiner will be looking to determine how long your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've interferred with your life. They'll also examine your medical history and run a few tests to rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
Treatment
Controlling ADHD in adulthood can be difficult however, there are solutions available. The most common treatment is medication. They can help regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms however, they must be prescribed by a healthcare professional and taken under their supervision. Stimulant medications are usually the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be utilized in some cases. Your doctor might also suggest neuropsychological or psychological tests to determine the impact of coexisting disorders like anxiety or depression.
The symptoms of ADHD can affect relationships and personal growth. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have a harder in recognizing social cues as well as picking up on body language which can result in inadequate communication skills. add in adult women can lead to difficulties at work or at home. Women with ADHD are also at a higher risk of developing mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. In fact, it is thought that 60% of those who suffer from ADHD have symptoms that persist into adulthood, and women are less likely to recover from their condition than men.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step in obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment. For a lot of adults, their ADHD symptoms are more manageable as they age. It is difficult to get the support and help they require. The good news is, the current research on ADHD focuses on understanding its impact on women and is making progress in the diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to medication as well, many women suffering from ADHD benefit from a variety of lifestyle modifications and therapeutic strategies. Women with ADHD benefit by working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them create organizational strategies and structures to boost their performance and quality of life. Other treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches them to accept their thoughts and feelings, while switching negative thinking patterns to healthier ones. Women who are pregnant may also benefit from family therapy and counseling for marital issues. They can learn to communicate more effectively with their partners and work out conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can also make a significant difference in managing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying focused and falling asleep at night. This can be accomplished by having regular bedtime routines or listening to calming audiobooks or music, and avoiding electronics or screen time prior to going to going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is underdiagnosed, there are many resources and a whole community of people ready to help you. Consult your primary doctor for recommendations, or call your insurance provider to find an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also an excellent idea to find an ADHD support group close to you. These groups can help you find health care professionals who have experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults, and can also provide a calming atmosphere.
Doctors may face difficulties diagnosing women and girls with ADHD because they typically exhibit different symptoms than boys and men. Certain doctors may not understand the differences between them and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ unsuitable treatment strategies. This is especially true when it comes the impulsive hyperactive and inattentive ADHD symptoms.
If you think you might be suffering from ADHD You can take the female ADHD test online. This free screening tool is built on DSM 5 criteria and was created with the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnostic test and should be accompanied by a professional consultation. Be aware that the article makes use of "male" and 'female" as terms to refer to gender. However we are committed to using sex identity that reflects the person's gender-affirming.