ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Females and women who have been who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD often mask their symptoms. This makes it harder to get a diagnosis.
To be eligible for ADHD to be diagnosed, symptoms must have been present since the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12. Doctors may conduct interviews with close family members and friends.
This test will allow you to compare your symptoms with the symptoms of women suffering from ADHD. This test doesn't diagnose anything but it could give your healthcare professional more insight into your requirements.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can affect adults as well. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe the inattentive version of ADHD is more common among women. Symptoms of this subtype are less apparent than those of the other two and usually manifest as internal symptoms like difficulty in staying focused or a frequent daydreaming.
Women with inattention ADHD can experience lack of focus and poor time management and trouble paying attention at work or in classes. They may also have difficulties keeping track of expenses and appointments or performing household chores. Women can compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. However, this can backfire and creates feelings of anger. Some women resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as drinking or using drugs.
It is advisable to talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you think you might have ADHD. They can help you recognize your symptoms and recommend you to a specialist when needed. Your doctor will ask about your family history, your medical history, as well as any mental health issues that might cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists five ongoing symptoms that satisfy the criteria needed for 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 experienced symptoms for at minimum six consecutive months before you are diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must also be impacting your life negatively and affecting your ability to function.
You can decrease the severity of your symptoms by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and cutting down on sugary or processed foods. You can also use mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and help you control impulsiveness, distractibility and promote restful sleeping. It is also possible to talk with your doctor about taking medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is a significant step toward managing symptoms and having the life you desire. It's impossible to do it by yourself. A mental health professional is needed to examine your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical examination. A medical professional will review your history to rule out other conditions that could be a cause of ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated right away after being diagnosed. There are two main drugs for the disorder which are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants tend to be more well-known because they are faster acting and have a longer lasting effect than non-stimulants. The type of medication your psychiatrist or therapist prescribes for you will be based on your specific needs. It is best to discuss your options with them so that they can make the best choice regarding your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent in males and females however, females who are cisgender can also be affected by its symptoms. Because of gender bias, and the fact that many doctors are unaware of how ADHD affects women, it is challenging for them to receive the right diagnosis.
This online assessment was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based off the DSM-5 criteria and has been divided into women's symptoms. It is not a diagnostic tool, but you can use it as a basis for discussions with a medical doctor or therapist regarding your symptoms.
When you visit the evaluator, be prepared with all your symptoms as well as any other documents that might be relevant, like performance evaluations from work or copies of test results. The evaluator will review the records to determine whether your symptoms are in line with DSM-5 criteria. The evaluation will also ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits to help determine the severity of your symptoms.
For instance, the examiner will be looking to determine how long your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've interfered with your daily life. They will also look over your medical history, and conduct tests to rule out any conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are many treatment options for adults with ADHD. The most commonly used treatment is medication. They can help reduce symptoms and control brain activity, but must be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a medical professional. In most instances, stimulant medication is the first option. However, non-stimulant medicines can be prescribed in certain instances. In addition to addressing ADHD, your doctor may recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD symptoms can affect the development of relationships and personal growth. Women who suffer from ADHD might have trouble reading social cues or understanding body language. This can lead to inadequate communication. This can cause problems at work and home. Women who suffer from ADHD are also at greater risk of developing mood disorders including anxiety and depression. It is estimated that 60% of people suffering from ADHD continue to suffer from symptoms into adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to get rid of the condition.
The most important step in getting a diagnosis and treating ADHD is to recognize. As people age, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it is still difficult 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 improvements in diagnosis and treatment are being made.
In addition to medication in addition to medication, many women with ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle changes and therapeutic strategies. For example, some benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can assist them with how to organize their lives and establish structures to enhance their lives and productivity. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps them accept their thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thought patterns to healthier ones. Women might also benefit from family therapy and counseling for marriage. They can learn how to communicate better with their partners and how to resolve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a huge difference in managing symptoms of ADHD that can be a problem, like having trouble staying focused and falling to sleep at night. This can be accomplished by having a regular sleep routine, listening relaxing music or reading an audiobook and avoiding electronics before bed.
Support
There are numerous resources available and a community of people who can help you despite the fact that ADHD isn't a diagnosis for women. Consult your primary doctor for recommendations, or call your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist near you. Additionally, it's always recommended to search for an ADHD support group in your region. Many of these groups can help you find health care experts who are skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and offer a welcoming environment.
Doctors may face difficulties diagnosing women and girls with ADHD as they usually present with different symptoms than boys and men. Some doctors may misunderstand these differences and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is especially relevant to hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive symptoms of ADHD.
If you suspect you have ADHD, you can take the female ADHD test online. This tool is free and was designed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on DSM 5 and is a screening tool based on DSM 5 Criteria. It is not a diagnostic test and should be followed up with an expert consultation. Please note that attention deficit disorder in women employs 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.