ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Females and women who have been who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD often conceal their symptoms. This can make it more difficult to get an assessment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have lasted since childhood, technically prior to age 12. Doctors may conduct interviews with close family and friends.
This quiz will help you compare your symptoms with those of women who suffer from ADHD. It's not a diagnostic tool but it will help your healthcare professional understand your needs better.
Symptoms
Many people think of ADHD as an illness that affects children, but it can also occur in adults. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive kind of ADHD is more common for women than men. This type of ADHD is less apparent than the other two. It usually manifests as internal symptoms like an inability to focus or a tendency for daydreaming.
Women with inattention ADHD can experience lack of focus, poor time management, and difficulties paying attention in classes. They may also have difficulty keeping track of expenses and appointments, or even completing household chores. Women may try to compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. However, this can backfire and causes feelings of frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy ways of coping, such as drug and alcohol consumption.
attention deficit in women should speak to your doctor or a mental health professional if you think that you might be suffering from ADHD. They can help you recognize your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if necessary. Your doctor will need to know your family history, medical history and any other mental health issues that you might have that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists five ongoing symptoms that satisfy the criteria 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.
Your symptoms must have lasted for at least six months to be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD. The symptoms must also be negative to your life and affecting how well you function.
You can reduce the severity of your symptoms by following healthy, exercising regularly, and reducing your intake of sugary or processed food items. You can also use mindfulness meditation to relax your mind and help control impulsiveness, distractibility and promote restful sleeping. You could also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is a significant step towards managing your symptoms and having the life you desire. It's not possible to manage it by yourself. A mental health professional is required to evaluate your symptoms and conduct an extensive physical exam. A medical professional will also look over your medical history to rule out other conditions that could be a cause of ADHD.
In most cases, people who are diagnosed with ADHD get treatment right away. There are two main drugs for the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants tend to be more popular because they are quicker in their action and have a longer lasting effect than non stimulants. The type of medication your psychiatrist or therapist prescribes for you will depend on the specific needs of your patient. It is best to discuss your options with them so they can make the best decision about your symptoms.
Although ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men but cisgender women may be affected by the same symptoms. Due to gender bias, and the fact that many doctors are not aware of the way ADHD affects women, it is challenging for them as adults to receive the right diagnosis.
This assessment was designed by keeping the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based off the DSM-5 criteria and has been divided into women's symptoms. While it's not able to tell you if you're but you can use it to start a conversation with a therapist or medical doctor about your symptoms.
When you visit the evaluator, you must bring all of your symptoms along with any other documents that might be relevant, like performance evaluations from your job or copies of test results. The evaluator will review them to determine if they are in line with the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator may also ask you questions about your routine and lifestyle in order to determine the severity of symptoms.
The evaluator might need to know for instance, how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also review your medical history and run some tests to rule out conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. Medicines are the most popular therapy. They can aid in regulating brain activity and reduce symptoms however, they must be prescribed by an expert in healthcare and administered under their supervision. In most instances, stimulant medication is the first option. However, non-stimulant drugs are sometimes used in specific instances. Your doctor might also suggest psychological or neuropsychological tests to determine the effects of coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.
ADHD symptoms can hinder your personal development and relationships. Women with ADHD tend to have a harder in recognizing social cues as well as understanding body language which can result in inadequate communication skills. This can lead to problems at home and work. Women who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of developing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. In fact, it's thought that 60% of people with ADHD have symptoms that last throughout their lives, and women are less likely to overcome their condition than men.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step towards obtaining an accurate diagnosis and treatment. As we age, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it is still difficult for them to get the help and support they require. The good news is that the current research on ADHD is geared toward understanding the effects it has on women, and advancements in treatment and diagnosis are being made.
In addition to medication, many women with ADHD benefit from a variety of lifestyle changes and strategies for treating. Women who suffer from ADHD benefit by working closely with an ADHD coach, who can help them create organizational strategies and structures that improve their efficiency and overall quality of 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. Family therapy and counseling for marriage can also be beneficial for certain women. They can learn to communicate more effectively with their spouses and how to resolve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a big difference in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty staying focused and falling asleep at late at night. This means an established routine for bedtime or listening to calming music or an audiobook and avoiding any electronic devices or screen time before going to going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women isn't well-diagnosed however, there are many resources and a huge community of people ready to assist you. If you're not sure what to do, ask your primary care physician for recommendations or call your insurance provider to request an ADHD specialist in your region. It's also recommended to find an ADHD support group in your area. These groups can help you find health professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults, and they can also provide a supportive environment.
Because women and girls often have different symptoms of ADHD than men and boys it can be difficult for doctors to recognize. Certain doctors may be misinformed or underestimate the difference, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses and poor treatment strategies. This is especially relevant to the impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive symptoms of ADHD.
You can take a test on the internet for female ADHD if you suspect you may be suffering from the disorder. This free screening tool is built on DSM 5 criteria and was designed with the real experiences of ADHD women in mind. It is not an assessment test for diagnosing ADHD and should be followed by professional advice. It is important to note that the article makes use of "male" and 'female" as terms that refer to gender. However we believe in using sex identity that reflects a person’s affirmed gender.