ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who were assigned female at birth conceal their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it harder to get an assessment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have lasted from childhood, technically before the age of 12. Doctors can interview close family members and friends.
This test will allow you to compare your symptoms with those of women with ADHD. It can't diagnose you but it can help your healthcare professional determine your needs better.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect adults as well. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive type of ADHD is more common in women than males. This type of ADHD is less apparent than the other two. It usually manifests as a result of internal issues like a lack of focus or a tendency to daydream.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in women can include the inability to pay attention in class or at work, and inadequate time management skills. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their bills or appointments, or even complete household chores. Women can try to overcome these problems by working harder or trying to be more organized. But, this usually backfires and can cause feelings of frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy coping behaviors, like alcohol and drug drinking.
If you suspect you have ADHD and are concerned, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. attention deficit disorder in women can help you recognize your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if needed. Your doctor will ask about your family history, medical history, and any mental health issues that might be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines five continuous symptoms that satisfy 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.
You must have been experiencing symptoms for at minimum six consecutive months prior to when you can be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms are also impacting your life negatively and affecting how well you function.
You can lessen the severity of your symptoms by following healthy, exercising regularly, and reducing your intake of sugary or processed foods. You can also utilize mindfulness meditation to relax your mind and help control impulsiveness, distractibility and promote restful sleep. It is also possible to talk with your doctor about using medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is a significant step toward managing symptoms and living the life you desire. But, it's not something you're able to do by yourself. A mental health professional is required to evaluate your symptoms and perform an exhaustive physical exam. A medical professional will go over your medical history to rule out any other conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Many people with ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two kinds of medications that treat the disorder: stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are more commonly used because they perform more quickly and have a longer-lasting impact than non-stimulants. The kind of medication your psychiatrist or therapist prescribes to you will depend on the specific needs of your patient. It is recommended to discuss your options with them so they can make the most informed decision about your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more common among males and females but cisgender females too can be affected by its symptoms. However, due to the gender-based bias and the fact that a lot of doctors aren't aware of the ways ADHD can affect women, it can be more difficult for women to receive a reliable diagnosis as adults.
This assessment was designed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based on the DSM-5 criteria however, it has been broken down into symptoms for women. It cannot diagnose you but it can serve as a basis for an interview with a doctor or therapist about your issues.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator with any relevant documentation such as workplace performance evaluations or copies of test results. 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 life and routines to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The evaluator might want to know what, for instance how long you've had suffering from ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also look over your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. Medicines are the most popular treatment. They can aid in regulating the brain's activity and alleviate symptoms, but they should be prescribed by a healthcare professional and taken under their supervision. In the majority of instances, stimulant medication is the first choice. However, non-stimulant medicines are sometimes used in specific situations. In addition to addressing ADHD, your doctor may recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
ADHD symptoms can interfere with personal growth and relationships. Women with ADHD often have a harder time reading social cues and recognizing body language which can result in poor communication skills. This can cause issues at work and home. Women with ADHD also are more likely to develop mood disorders like anxiety and depression. In fact, it is thought that 60% of those with ADHD suffer from symptoms that persist throughout their lives and women are less likely to recover from their condition than men.
The most important step to finding a diagnosis and addressing ADHD is recognizing. For many adults, their ADHD symptoms become more manageable as they age. It is challenging for them to get the assistance and support they require. The positive side is that current research on ADHD is geared towards understanding the effects it has on women, and advancements in diagnosis and treatment are being developed.
In addition to medications in addition to medication, many women with ADHD benefit from a variety of lifestyle changes and therapeutic strategies. For example certain women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can help them learn ways to manage their time and create strategies to improve their lives and productivity. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their feelings and thoughts while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones. Women who are pregnant might also benefit from family therapy or counseling for marriage. They can learn how to communicate more effectively with their partners and how to resolve conflicts. Healthy sleeping habits can help manage symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying awake and falling asleep. This means a regular bedtime routine, listening to relaxing music or reading an audiobook and avoiding electronics before the bed.
Support
There are many options available, as well as a community of people who will help you despite the fact that ADHD isn't a diagnosis for women. Consult your primary care doctor for recommendations, or phone your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist near you. It's also a good idea for you to join an ADHD support group close to you. These groups can assist you to locate health care professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults. They can also provide a supportive environment.
Since girls and women often experience different symptoms of ADHD than boys and men They can be a challenge for doctors to recognize. Some physicians may misunderstand or underestimate the difference, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses and poor treatment strategies. This is particularly relevant to hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms.
You can take an online test for female ADHD If you think you might be suffering from the disorder. This test is free and based on DSM 5 criteria and was developed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is not a diagnostic test and should be followed up with an expert consultation. Please note that this piece uses the terms "male" and "female" to refer to gender, however, we are committed to using gender identities that reflect the person's affirmation of gender identity.