ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who were born female can mask their symptoms of ADHD. signs of add in adult women makes it harder to determine the cause.
For ADHD to be recognized symptoms must be present from the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors can interview close family and friends.
This quiz will help you assess your symptoms against those of women with ADHD. It can't diagnose you, but it will help your healthcare professional understand your needs better.
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 common in women than men. This subtype is less evident than the other two. It is usually manifested as a result of internal issues, such as the inability to concentrate or a tendency to daydream.
Women with inattention ADHD are prone to forgetfulness, poor time management, and difficulty paying attention at work or in class. They may also have difficulties keeping track of expenses and appointments, or even completing household chores. Women may try to alleviate these problems by working harder or trying to be more organized. This could backfire and lead to frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy ways of coping, such as drinking or using drugs.
It is advisable to talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you suspect you may have ADHD. They can help you recognize signs and refer you if you require a specialist. Your doctor will be interested in knowing your medical history, family history and any other mental health issues you may have that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines five ongoing symptoms that meet 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.
Your symptoms must have been present for at least six months to be diagnosed with any type of ADHD. The symptoms are also affecting your life negatively and affecting how well you perform.
You can manage your symptoms by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can also cut down on the amount of processed or sugary food items. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to calm your body and mind as well as control impulsiveness and distractibility 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 an important step toward managing symptoms and living the life you want. It's not possible to do it on your own. A mental health professional will be required to assess 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.
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two types of medications to treat the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants tend to be more popular due to their speed of acting and have a more lasting effect than non-stimulants. Your therapist or psychiatrist will prescribe a medication based on your requirements. It is best to discuss your options with them to ensure they can make the best decision regarding your symptoms.
While ADHD is more common in males and females however, women who are cisgender can suffer from the same symptoms. Unfortunately, because of the gender discrimination and the fact that a lot of doctors aren't aware of how ADHD can affect women, it's more difficult for women to receive a proper diagnosis as adults.
This online assessment was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on DSM-5 criteria, but has been broken down into symptoms for women. It's not a way to diagnose you, however, it can serve as a starting point for discussions with a doctor or therapist about your issues.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator with any relevant documents like the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of test results. The evaluator will examine them to determine whether your symptoms are in line with DSM-5 criteria. The evaluater will also ask questions about your life and routines to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The examiner may need to know, for example how long you've had suffering from ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They'll also examine your medical history and run several tests to rule out other ailments that could cause similar symptoms, for instance thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
Treatment
Controlling ADHD in adulthood can be challenging However, there are solutions available. Medications are the most common therapy. They can help reduce symptoms and control brain activity, but they must be prescribed and taken under the supervision of a medical professional. Stimulant medication is usually the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be utilized in certain situations. In addition to addressing ADHD your doctor might recommend additional neuropsychological or psychological tests to determine the effects of co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression.
The symptoms of ADHD can hinder relationships and personal growth. Women with ADHD tend to have a harder to read social cues and picking up on body language and this can lead to inadequate communication skills. This can lead to difficulties at workplace and at home. Women with ADHD also are more likely to develop mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of people with ADHD still have symptoms in adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to get rid of the condition.
The most important step to getting a diagnosis and treating ADHD is recognition. For a lot of adults they find that their ADHD symptoms are less severe as they get older. It is difficult for them to get the support and help they require. The good news is that the current research on ADHD is geared toward understanding the effects it has on women, and advances in treatment and diagnosis are being developed.
In addition to medications, many women with ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle changes and strategies for treating. Women with ADHD benefit from working closely with an ADHD coach, who can help them develop strategies for organizing and creating structures to improve their productivity and life. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches women to accept their feelings and thoughts and replace negative thought patterns with healthier ones. Family therapy and counseling for couples can be beneficial to some women. They can learn how to communicate more effectively with their spouses and how to resolve conflicts. Healthy sleep habits can help manage symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying awake and falling asleep. This includes a regular sleep routine, listening to relaxing to music or listening to an audiobook and avoiding electronics before bed.
Support
There are a variety of sources available and a network of people who will help you, despite the fact ADHD isn't a diagnosis for women. Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations, or phone your insurance provider to find an ADHD specialist near you. It's also a good idea for you to join an ADHD support group near you. These groups can help you locate health care professionals with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD among adults, and they can also provide a calming environment.
Doctors may have difficulty diagnosing girls and women with ADHD as they usually exhibit different symptoms than men and boys. Some physicians may misunderstand or undervalue the difference, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses and ineffective treatment strategies. This is especially relevant to hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive symptoms of ADHD.
You can take an online test for female ADHD in case you suspect that you may have the disorder. This free screening tool is based on DSM 5 criteria and was created with the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnosis test and should be followed by a consultation with a professional. Please note that this piece uses the terms "male" and "female" to refer to gender, but we believe in using gender identities that reflect the person's gender-specific identity.