ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who are born female (AFAB) who have ADHD often mask their symptoms. This can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have been present since childhood, technically prior to the age of 12. Doctors are able to interview family members and friends.
This test will help you examine your symptoms in relation to those of women who suffer from ADHD. It can't diagnose you, but it will help your healthcare professional determine your needs better.
Signs and symptoms
Many people view ADHD as an illness that affects children, but it can also manifest in adults. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe the inattentive type of ADHD is more prevalent in women. This subtype is less evident than the other two. It usually manifests as internal symptoms, such as a lack of focus or a tendency to daydream.
Inattention ADHD symptoms in women could include inattention deficit, forgetfulness in class or at work, and inadequate time management skills. They may also have difficulties keeping track of expenses and appointments or completing household chores. inattentive add in women may compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. But, this usually backfires and causes feelings of frustration. Some women turn to unhealthy ways of coping, for example, alcohol and drug consumption.
It is advisable to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you think you might have ADHD. They can assist you in identifying your symptoms and send you to a specialist if necessary. Your doctor will need to know your family history, medical history and any other mental health issues you might have that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists five ongoing symptoms that satisfy the criteria for 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 least six consecutive months before you are diagnosed with ADHD. They should 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 a balanced diet by exercising regularly and reduce your intake of processed or sugary food items. You can also utilize mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and assist you to manage impulsivity, distraction and promote restful sleeping. You can also speak with your doctor about taking medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important step toward managing symptoms and having the life you desire. It's not possible to manage it on your own. A mental health professional will need to examine your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical examination. A medical doctor will also review your background to rule out other issues that may be similar to ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two main treatments for the disorder that are stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most well-known because they are faster acting and have a longer lasting effect than non-stimulants. The kind of medication your psychiatrist or therapist prescribes for you will depend on your specific needs. It is best to discuss your options with them so they can make the best choice regarding your symptoms.
While ADHD is more common in boys and men however, women who are cisgender can suffer from the same symptoms. Due to gender bias, 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 online assessment was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on the DSM-5 criteria but broken down to show how these symptoms look for women. While it's not able to tell you if you're, you can use it to begin an interview with a therapist or medical doctor regarding your symptoms.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator along with any relevant documentation, such as the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of your previous tests. The evaluator will review them to see whether your symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator could also ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and habits in order to determine the severity of your symptoms.
For example, the evaluator will need to know the length of time your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've interferred with your life. They'll also examine your medical history and run some tests to rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular treatment is medication. They can aid in regulating the brain's activity and alleviate symptoms however, they should be prescribed by a healthcare professional and taken under their supervision. Stimulant medication is usually the first choice, but non-stimulants are also a possibility in certain instances. In addition to treating ADHD your doctor may recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.
The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with relationships and personal development. Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty reading social cues or understanding body language. This can result in inadequate communication. This can lead to difficulties at work and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk for mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. In fact, it is thought that 60% of people who suffer from ADHD have symptoms that last into adulthood, and women are less likely to recover from their condition than males.
The most important step to finding a diagnosis and addressing ADHD is recognizing. As we age, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it is still difficult for them to receive the assistance and support they require. The good news is that the current research on ADHD is geared towards understanding its effects on women, and advances in diagnosis and treatment are being developed.
In addition to medications as well, many women suffering from ADHD benefit from a variety of lifestyle changes and therapeutic strategies. Women with ADHD benefit from working closely with an ADHD coach, who can help them create organizational strategies and structures to improve their performance and quality of life. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches women to accept their feelings and thoughts and replace negative thought patterns with more positive ones. Family therapy and counseling for couples can also be beneficial for some women. They can learn to communicate better with their spouses and how to resolve conflicts. Healthy sleeping habits can aid in managing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying awake and falling asleep. This means regular bedtime routines and listening to soothing music or an audiobook, 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 plenty of resources and a huge community of people willing to support you. If you're not sure where to begin, consult your primary physician for recommendations or call your insurance provider to request an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also recommended to search for an ADHD support group in your region. These groups can assist you to find health professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults, and can also provide a welcoming atmosphere.
Since girls and women often suffer from different symptoms of ADHD than men and boys, they can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. Certain doctors may not understand these differences and may make incorrect diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is especially true when it comes the impulsive hyperactive and inattentive ADHD symptoms.
If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD You can take the female ADHD test online. This free screening tool is based on DSM 5 criteria and was created with the real experiences of ADHD women in mind. It is not a diagnostic test and should be followed up with professional advice. It is important to note that the article makes use of "male" and 'female" as terms that refer to gender. However, we are committed to using a sex identity that is reflective of the person's affirmation of gender.