ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who are born female can disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have lasted since childhood, technically before the age of 12. Doctors may interview close friends and family members.
This quiz will help you assess your symptoms against those of women with ADHD. This test doesn't diagnose anything but it could give your healthcare professional an understanding of your needs.
Symptoms
Many people think of ADHD as an illness that affects children, but it can also occur in adults. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive kind of ADHD is more common for women than men. This subtype is less obvious than the other two. It typically manifests as internal symptoms, such as an inability to focus or a tendency to daydream.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms in women can include forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention in classes or at work, as well as poor time management abilities. They may also have trouble keeping track of their bills and appointments, or even completing household chores. Women may try to compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. But, this usually backfires and can cause feelings of frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy ways of coping like alcohol and drug use.
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 required to a specialist. Your doctor will want to know your family history, medical history and any other mental health issues you may have that could mimic the effects of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines five ongoing signs that meet the criteria 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 been present for at least six months to be diagnosed with either type of ADHD. They must also have a negative effect on your daily life and interfere with how well you perform.
You can lessen the severity of your symptoms by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and reducing your intake of processed or sugary food items. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and body, control impulsiveness and distractibility and promote restful sleeping. You can also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is a vital step to managing the symptoms and living the life you desire. But it's not something you can do by yourself. A mental health professional is required to assess your symptoms, and conduct an extensive physical exam. A medical professional will examine your medical background to rule out other problems that can mimic ADHD.
In many cases, people who are diagnosed with ADHD get treatment right away. There are two kinds of drugs to treat the disorder: stimulants or 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 an appropriate medication based on the needs of your. It is important to discuss all your options so that they can make an informed choice about your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent among males and females however, females who are cisgender can also suffer from the symptoms. Because of adhd symptoms in women and due to the fact that a lot of doctors are not aware of the ways ADHD affects women, it is challenging for them as adults to receive the right diagnosis.
This assessment online was created with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based upon the DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down to illustrate how these symptoms manifest for women. It's not a way to diagnose you, however, it can serve as a basis for an interview with a doctor or therapist about 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 tests. The evaluator will go through the records to determine whether your symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluation will also ask you questions about your lifestyle and routines to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The examiner may be interested in knowing, for example how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also review your medical history and perform tests to rule out any conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
Managing ADHD in adulthood can be challenging, but treatments are available. The most commonly used method is medication therapy. They can aid in regulating brain activity and ease symptoms however, they require prescription from an expert in healthcare and taken under their supervision. Stimulant medications are usually the first choice, however non-stimulants may also be used in some cases. In addition to treating ADHD your doctor might recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological tests to assess the impact of co-existing conditions like depression or anxiety.
ADHD symptoms can hinder your personal development and relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult in recognizing social cues as well as picking up on body language and this can lead to poor communication skills. This can lead to difficulties at workplace and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more susceptible to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. In fact, it is thought that 60% of those who suffer from ADHD suffer from symptoms that last throughout their lives, and women are less likely to overcome their condition than men.
The most crucial step in getting a diagnosis and treating ADHD is recognition. For many adults who suffer from ADHD, their ADHD symptoms are more manageable as they age. However, it's difficult for them to get the assistance and support they need. The positive side is that current research on ADHD is geared towards understanding its effects on women, and advances in diagnosis and treatment are being made.
In addition to medications in addition to medication, many women with ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle changes and strategies for treating. Certain women who suffer from ADHD benefit from 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 behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their feelings and thoughts while replacing negative thinking patterns with healthier ones. Some women might also benefit from family therapy and counseling for marriage. They can learn to communicate better with their partners and how to resolve conflicts. A healthy sleep routine can help manage symptoms of ADHD such as difficulty staying awake and falling asleep. This means an established routine for bedtime and listening to soothing audiobooks or music and avoiding any electronic devices or screen time prior to going to sleeping.
Support
There are a variety of options available, as well as a community of people who will help you, despite the fact ADHD is not a recognized condition in women. If you're not sure where to start, ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or phone your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist in your region. It's also a good idea for you to find an ADHD support group near you. These groups can assist you to locate health care professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD among adults, and they can also provide a welcoming environment.
Because girls and women typically experience different symptoms of ADHD than boys and men it can be difficult for doctors to identify. Some doctors may not be aware of or undervalue the difference, resulting in incorrect diagnoses and inadequate treatment strategies. This is particularly applicable to the impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive symptoms of ADHD.
If you think you might be suffering from ADHD If you think you might be suffering from ADHD, take a female ADHD test online. This tool is free and was created with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based 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 a professional consultation. It is important to note that this article employs the terms "male" and "female" to refer to gender, however, we are committed to using the sex identities that represent a person's affirmed gender identity.