ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who were assigned female at birth disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it harder to receive an accurate diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have existed since childhood, technically before the age of 12. Doctors may conduct interviews with close friends and family members.
Use this quiz to see how your symptoms compare with those of a woman suffering from ADHD. This quiz can't diagnose, but it can help your healthcare provider get more insight into your needs.
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 kind of ADHD is more prevalent for women than males. This type of ADHD is less apparent than the other two. It is usually manifested as internal symptoms, such as a lack of focus or a tendency to daydream.
Women who are not attentive ADHD can experience forgetfulness and poor time management and trouble paying attention at work or in class. They may also have difficulties keeping track of their bills and appointments, as well as complete household chores. Women may try to alleviate these issues by working harder or trying to become more organized. However, this can backfire and can cause feelings of frustration. Some women resort unhealthy ways of coping, such as drinking or taking drugs.
If you think you may have ADHD or other related disorders, you should speak to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you recognize symptoms and refer you when you require a specialist. Your doctor will be interested in knowing your medical history, family history, and any other mental health issues that you might have that might mimic the effects of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines five ongoing symptoms to meet the requirements 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 had symptoms for at minimum six consecutive months prior to when you are diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must also be negative to your life and impacting your ability to function.
You can decrease the severity of your symptoms by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as reducing your intake of processed or sugary foods. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and body to manage impulsiveness and distraction, and promote restful sleep. You could also discuss with your doctor about the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a significant step toward managing symptoms and living the life you desire. But it's not something you're able do by yourself. A mental health professional is required to examine your symptoms and perform an extensive physical exam. A medical doctor will review your medical history to determine if there are any other conditions that could be related to ADHD.
In most cases, people who are diagnosed with ADHD get treatment right away. There are two main treatments for the disorder which are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed because they perform more quickly and have a longer-lasting impact than non-stimulants. Your therapist or psychiatrist will prescribe an appropriate medication based on your requirements. It is recommended to discuss all your options with them so that they can make an informed choice about your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more common among boys and men but cisgender females too can suffer from the symptoms. Because of gender bias and because many doctors are unaware of how ADHD affects women, it is difficult for them to receive the correct diagnosis.
This online assessment was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down into symptoms for women. It's not a way to diagnose you, however, it can serve as a starting point for an interview with a medical professional or therapist about your issues.
When you go to the evaluator, bring all of your symptoms along with any records that may be relevant, like performance evaluations from work or old test results. The evaluator reviews the records to determine if they are in line with the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator might also ask you questions regarding your lifestyle and habits to determine the severity of symptoms.
adhd in women checklist might want to know, for example how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They'll also review your medical history and run a few tests to rule out other ailments that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
Treatment
There are many treatment options for adults with ADHD. Medicines are the most popular therapy. They can help regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms, but they require prescription from a healthcare professional and taken under their supervision. In most instances, stimulant medications are the first option. However, non-stimulant medications are sometimes used in specific cases. Your doctor may also recommend psychological or neuropsychological tests to determine the effects of coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The signs of ADHD can interfere with relationships and personal growth. Women with ADHD might have trouble reading social cues and interpreting body language. This can result in poor communication. This can cause problems at home and at work. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more susceptible to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. In fact, it's thought that 60% of people with ADHD have symptoms that persist into adulthood, and women are less likely to overcome their condition than males.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step towards obtaining the right diagnosis and treatment. For many adults, their ADHD symptoms are less severe as they get older. It is challenging for them to get the support and help they require. The good news is, the current research on ADHD focuses on analyzing the impact of ADHD on women and is making progress in the treatment and diagnosis.
In addition to medication as well, many women suffering from ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle changes and strategies for treating. Certain women with ADHD benefit from working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them to develop organizational strategies and create structures that improve their productivity and life. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their feelings and thoughts while replacing negative thinking patterns with more positive ones. Women might also benefit from family therapy or counseling for marriage. They can learn how to communicate better with their partners and learn how to solve conflicts. Practicing healthy sleep habits can also make a significant difference in reducing symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty staying focused and falling to sleep at the end of the night. This means a regular bedtime routine or listening to calming music or an audiobook, and avoiding electronics or screen time before going to sleep.
Support
There are a variety of sources available and a network of people who will support you, despite the fact that ADHD isn't a diagnosis for women. Consult your primary doctor for recommendations, or contact your insurance company to locate an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also an excellent idea to search for an ADHD support group in your area. These groups can help you locate health care professionals with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD among adults, and can also provide a welcoming atmosphere.
Because women and girls often suffer from different symptoms of ADHD than boys and men They can be a challenge for doctors to diagnose. Some doctors may misunderstand these differences and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is especially relevant to hyperactive impulsive and inattentional ADHD symptoms.
If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD You can take an online female ADHD test online. This free test is built on DSM 5 criteria and was created using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnostic test and should be accompanied by a professional consultation. Be aware that this article uses the words "male" and "female" to refer to gender, but we will use sex identities that reflect the person's affirmation of gender identity.