ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD often hide their symptoms. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis.
For ADHD to be recognized symptoms must be present since the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors may interview close friends and family members.
Use this quiz to see how your symptoms compare to those of a woman with ADHD. This test doesn't diagnose anything, but it can help your healthcare provider get more insight into 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 form of ADHD is more common in women than in men. The symptoms of this subtype are less obvious than those of the other two and usually manifest as internal signs such as difficulty in staying focused or frequent daydreaming.
Women who are not attentive ADHD may experience inattention as well as poor time management and difficulties paying attention in classes. They may also have difficulty keeping track of bills and appointments, as well as completing household tasks. Women may try to alleviate these problems by working harder or attempting to be more organized. This could lead to frustration. Some women turn to unhealthy ways of coping for example, alcohol and drug consumption.
If you think you may have ADHD or other related disorders, you should speak to your doctor or mental health professional. They can assist you in identifying your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if needed. Your doctor will ask about your family history, your medical history, as well as any mental health issues that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists 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 before you can be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD. The symptoms are also impacting your life negatively and affecting how well you function.
You can reduce your symptoms by eating an exercise and diet plan that is healthy and regularly. You can also cut down on the amount of processed or sugary foods. You can also use mindfulness meditation to relax your mind and help reduce impulsiveness, distractibility and promote a restful night's sleep. You can also speak with your doctor about using medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important step towards managing your symptoms and having the life you want. It's not possible to do it by yourself. A mental health professional will need to assess your symptoms, and perform an extensive physical exam. A medical professional will also review your background to rule out other conditions that could be a cause of ADHD.
In many cases, those who are diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment immediately. There are two types of drugs that treat the disorder: stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most popular because they are quicker in their action and have a longer lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your therapist or psychiatrist will prescribe the right medication based on your needs. It is best to discuss your options with them so that they can make the most informed choice regarding your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent among boys and men but cisgender females too can suffer from its 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.
adult add women was created with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down into women's symptoms. While it cannot diagnose you, you can use it to initiate conversations with a therapist, or a medical doctor regarding your symptoms.
When you go to the evaluator, bring all your symptoms and any records that may be relevant, like performance evaluations from work or copies of test results. The evaluator will review them to determine if they are in line with the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator might also ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and habits in order to determine the severity of your symptoms.
For instance, the examiner will want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've affected with your daily routine. They will also go over your medical history, and run some tests to rule out conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most common treatment is medication. They can help regulate brain activity and ease symptoms however they require prescription from a healthcare professional and administered under their supervision. Stimulant medications are usually the first choice, however non-stimulants can also be utilized in certain situations. Your doctor may also suggest tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine the effect of coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can affect relationships and personal development. Women with ADHD may have difficulty reading social cues or understanding body language. This can lead to poor communication. This can cause problems at home and work. Women who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of developing mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. In fact, it's thought that 60% of people who suffer from ADHD have symptoms that last throughout their lives and women are less likely to recover from their condition than males.
The most important step in getting a diagnosis and treating ADHD is recognizing. For many adults who suffer from ADHD, their ADHD symptoms are more manageable as they get older. However, it is still difficult for them to receive the help and support they require. The positive side is that current research on ADHD is focused on understanding its impacts in women, and advancements in diagnosis and treatment are being made.
Many women suffering from ADHD can benefit from a change in lifestyle and therapeutic strategies in addition to medication. Women with ADHD benefit by working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them to develop organizational strategies and create structures to boost their productivity and life. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy which helps them accept their thoughts and feelings, while switching negative thinking patterns to healthier ones. Women may also benefit from family therapy or marital counseling. They can learn how to communicate better with their partners and learn how to resolve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a big difference in managing symptoms of ADHD that can be a problem, like having trouble staying focused and falling asleep at the end of the night. This means regular bedtime routines and listening to soothing audiobooks or music, and avoiding electronics or screen time just before going to bed.
Support
There are a variety of resources available and a community of people who will support you, despite the fact ADHD isn't a diagnosis for women. Consult your primary care physician for recommendations, or contact your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist near you. It's also recommended to find an ADHD support group near you. These groups can 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 suffer from different symptoms of ADHD than men and boys it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. Some physicians may misunderstand or overlook the difference, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses and poor treatment strategies. This is especially applicable to hyperactive impulsive and inattentional ADHD symptoms.
You can take an online test for female ADHD if you suspect you may have the disorder. This free screening tool 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. This is not a diagnosis test and should be followed by a consultation with a professional. Be aware that this article uses the terms "male" and "female" to be referring to gender, but we believe in using the sex identities that represent the person's gender-specific identity.