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 get a diagnosis.
For ADHD to be recognized symptoms must be present since childhood. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
Use this quiz to see the way your symptoms compare to those of a woman with ADHD. It's not a diagnostic tool however it can help your healthcare provider to better understand your needs.
Symptoms
Many people think of ADHD as a disorder 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 in women than in men. The symptoms of this subtype are not as obvious as those of the other two, and they usually appear as symptoms that are internal, such as the difficulty in staying focused or a tendency to daydream.
Women with inattentive ADHD may experience forgetfulness and poor time management and difficulties paying attention at work or in classes. They may also have trouble keeping track of expenses and appointments or performing household chores. Women can try to overcome these issues by working harder or attempting to be more organized. But, this usually backfires and causes feelings of frustration. Some women resort unhealthy ways of coping, such as drinking or taking drugs.
If you suspect you have ADHD, you should talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you recognize your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if necessary. Your doctor will be interested in knowing your medical history, family history and any other mental health issues you may have that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides five ongoing symptoms that meet 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 had symptoms for at least six consecutive months before you are diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms are also impacting your life negatively and affecting your ability to perform.
You can manage your symptoms by eating an exercise and diet plan that is healthy and regularly. You can also cut down on your intake of processed or sugary food items. You can also utilize mindfulness meditation to calm your mind and assist you to manage impulsivity, distraction and promote restful sleep. You can also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD is a significant step toward managing symptoms and living 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 exhaustive physical examination. A medical professional will also look over your medical history to rule out other problems that can mimic ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two main medications for the disorder that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are more commonly used because they are more effective and have a longer-lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your therapist or psychiatrist will prescribe an appropriate medication based on your needs. It is best to discuss all options so that they can make an informed decision regarding your symptoms.
Although ADHD is more common in boys and men, cisgender women can suffer from the same symptoms. 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 is more difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis as adults.
This assessment was designed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on the DSM-5 criteria but broken down to illustrate how these symptoms manifest for women. While it cannot diagnose you, you can use it to begin an interview with a therapist, or a medical doctor regarding your symptoms.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator with any relevant documents like workplace performance evaluations or copies of your previous tests. The evaluator will go through them to see whether your symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator could also ask you questions about your routine and lifestyle in order to determine the severity of symptoms.
For instance, the evaluator will need to know the length of time your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've interferred with your daily life. They will also review your medical history and run some tests to rule out any conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most commonly used method is medication therapy. They can aid in regulating brain activity and ease symptoms, but they must be prescribed by an expert in healthcare and under their supervision. In most instances, stimulant medication is the first option. However, non-stimulant medicines are sometimes used in specific situations. In addition to addressing ADHD your doctor might suggest additional neuropsychological or psychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD symptoms can interfere with the development of relationships and personal growth. Women with ADHD may have difficulty reading social cues and interpreting body language. This can result in inadequate communication. This can lead to problems at home and at work. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to develop mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. In fact, it is believed that 60% of people with ADHD suffer from symptoms that last throughout their lives and women are less likely to overcome their condition than males.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step towards obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment. As people age, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it's difficult to get the help and support they require. The good news is that the current research on ADHD focuses on understanding the effects of ADHD on women and is making advancements in the treatment and diagnosis.
Many women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from lifestyle changes and therapeutic methods in addition to medication. adhd in adult women symptoms with ADHD benefit by working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them to develop strategies for organizing and creating structures to improve their performance and quality of life. Other treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches them to accept their thoughts and feelings while switching negative thinking patterns to healthier ones. Women who are pregnant might also benefit from family therapy and counseling for marriage. They can learn how to communicate more effectively with their partners and how to solve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a huge difference in reducing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying focused and falling to sleep at the end of the night. This includes regular bedtime routines or listening to calming audiobooks or music, and avoiding electronics or screen time just before going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women isn't well-diagnosed however, there are plenty of resources and a large community of people willing to help you. If you're not sure what to do, ask your primary physician for recommendations or call your insurance company for an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also a good idea for you to find an ADHD support group in your area. A lot of these groups will assist you in finding health care experts who are skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and offer a welcoming environment.
Doctors may have difficulty diagnosing women and girls with ADHD, as they often present with different symptoms than men and boys. Some doctors might not be aware of these differences and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is especially applicable to impulsive hyperactive and inattentive ADHD symptoms.
You can take a test online for female ADHD If you think you may have the disorder. This test is free and built on DSM 5 criteria and was designed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnostic test and should be accompanied by a consultation with a professional. It is important to note that the article uses "male" and "female" as terms to refer to gender. However, we are committed to using sex identity that reflects a person’s affirmed gender.