ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who were born female conceal their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an assessment.
To be eligible for ADHD to be considered a diagnosis symptoms must be present since childhood. This is technically before the age of 12. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
This quiz will help you compare your symptoms with the symptoms of women suffering from ADHD. It isn't a way to diagnose you but it will help your healthcare professional determine your needs better.
Symptoms
ADHD can affect adults as well. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive form of ADHD is more common in women than males. Symptoms of this subtype are not as obvious as those of the other two and they usually appear as symptoms that are internal, such as the inability to stay on task or a frequent daydreaming.
Inattention ADHD symptoms for women could include the inability to pay attention in classes or at work, as well as inadequate time management skills. They may also have trouble keeping track of bills and appointments or completing household chores. Women may compensate by working harder or being more organized. However, this can backfire and creates feelings of anger. Some women resort to unhealthy ways of coping, such as drinking or taking drugs.
If you suspect you have ADHD and are concerned, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you identify signs and refer you if you require a specialist. Your doctor will ask about your family history, medical history, and any mental health issues that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists five ongoing signs that meet the criteria for an 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.
You must have experienced symptoms for at minimum six consecutive months prior to when you can be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms are also negative to your life and affecting your ability to function.
You can reduce your symptoms by eating an exercise and diet plan that is healthy and regularly. You can also cut down on your intake of processed and sugary food items. You can also try mindfulness meditation to calm your mind and body, control impulsiveness and distractibility and promote restful sleeping. It is also possible to talk with your doctor about taking medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is a crucial step towards managing your symptoms and having the life you want. It's impossible to do it by yourself. A mental health professional will be required to evaluate your symptoms and perform an extensive physical examination. A medical professional will also look over your medical background to rule out other issues that may be similar to ADHD.
adhd symptoms for women suffering from ADHD are treated right away after being diagnosed. There are two main treatments for the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants tend to be more well-known because they are faster acting and have a more lasting effect than non stimulants. The kind of medication that your therapist or psychiatrist prescribes for you will be based on the specific needs of your patient. It is recommended to discuss your options with them so that they can make the most informed decision about your symptoms.
Although ADHD is more common in males and females, cisgender women can suffer from the same symptoms. Due to gender bias, and due to the fact that a lot of doctors aren't aware of how ADHD affects women, it can be difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis.
This assessment online was created with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based upon the DSM-5 criteria but broken down to show how these symptoms look for women. It's not a way to diagnose you, however, you can use it as a starting point to start an interview with a medical professional or therapist regarding your symptoms.
Bring all of your symptoms to the evaluator with any relevant records, such as the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of your previous tests. The evaluator will go through the records to determine whether your symptoms are in line with DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator might also ask you questions regarding your routine and lifestyle in order to determine the severity of your symptoms.
For example, the evaluator will want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've interfered with your life. They will also go over your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most common treatment is medication. They can reduce symptoms and regulate brain activity, but they must be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Stimulant medications are usually the first choice, but non-stimulants may also be used in certain situations. Your doctor might also suggest psychological or neuropsychological tests to determine the effect of coexisting disorders like anxiety or depression.
ADHD symptoms can hinder your personal development and relationships. Women with ADHD might have trouble reading social cues or understanding body language. This can lead to inadequate communication. This can cause issues at work and home. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to develop mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. In fact, it's thought that 60% of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms that persist into adulthood, and women are less likely to overcome their condition than men.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step towards obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment. As adults get older, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. It is difficult to get the assistance and support they require. The positive side is that current research on ADHD is focused on understanding its impacts in women, and advances in diagnosis and treatment are being made.
Many women with ADHD can benefit from a change in their lifestyle and therapeutic methods in addition to medications. Some women who suffer from ADHD benefit from working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them develop organizational strategies and create structures to boost their productivity and life. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their feelings and thoughts while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones. Women may also benefit from family therapy and counseling for marital issues. They can learn to communicate more effectively with their spouses and how to solve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a big difference in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD that can be a problem, like having trouble staying focused and falling asleep at the end of the night. This means a regular bedtime routine, listening to soothing to music or listening to an audiobook and avoiding electronics before going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is not well-diagnosed, there are plenty of resources and a large community of people who are willing to assist you. If you're not sure where to start, ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or call your insurance company for an ADHD specialist in your region. It's also recommended to search for an ADHD support group in your area. Many of these groups can assist you in finding health care professionals who are experienced with diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and provide a supportive environment.
Doctors may face difficulties diagnosing women and girls with ADHD as they usually present with different symptoms than boys and men. Some doctors might not be aware of these differences and make inaccurate diagnoses or use poor treatment strategies. This is particularly applicable to the impulsive, hyperactive and inattention symptoms of ADHD.
You can take a test online for female ADHD If you think you may have the disorder. This test is free and based on DSM 5 criteria and was designed with the real experiences of ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnosis test and should be followed by a professional consultation. It is important to note that this article uses the words "male" and "female" to be referring to gender, but we will use gender identities that reflect the person's gender-specific identity.