ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who are born female can disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it harder to get an accurate diagnosis.
To be eligible for ADHD to be diagnosed the symptoms must have been present from the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12. Doctors can interview close friends and family members.
Use this quiz to see how your symptoms compare with those of a woman with ADHD. It can't diagnose you however it will help your healthcare professional to better understand your needs.
Symptoms
ADHD can be a problem for adults too. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive form of ADHD is more prevalent in women than males. This subtype is less obvious than the other two. It typically manifests as internal symptoms, such as an inability to focus or a tendency to daydream.
Women who are not attentive ADHD may experience lack of focus, poor time management, and difficulties paying attention at work or in classes. They may also have trouble keeping track of their bills or appointments, or even completing household tasks. Women may compensate for these problems by working harder or attempting to become more organized. This could backfire and lead to frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy ways of coping like alcohol and drug use.
If you suspect you have ADHD, you should talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can assist you in identifying symptoms and refer you if you require an expert. Your doctor will want to know 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 signs that meet the criteria for ADHD diagnoses. 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. They should also have a negative effect on your life and hinder your ability to function. you perform.
You can lessen the symptoms by eating an exercise and diet plan that is healthy and regularly. You can also limit the amount of processed or sugary foods. You can also try mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and body, control impulsiveness and distractibility and promote restful sleeping. You can also talk to your doctor about using medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial step toward managing symptoms and living the life you desire. It's not possible to manage it by yourself. Keep Reading will need to evaluate your symptoms and perform an extensive physical examination. A medical doctor will also look over your medical history to rule out other issues that may be similar to 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 popular due to their speed of in their action and have a longer lasting effect than non-stimulants. The kind of medication your psychiatrist or therapist prescribes for you will depend on your particular needs. It is important to discuss all your options with them to make an informed decision regarding your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more common among males and females but cisgender females too can be affected by its symptoms. Because of gender bias and because many doctors are not aware of the way 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 the DSM-5 criteria but broken down to illustrate how these symptoms manifest for women. While it's not able to tell you if you're however, it can be used to begin a conversation with a therapist, or a medical doctor regarding your symptoms.
When you go to the evaluator, be prepared with all your symptoms and any other documents that might be relevant, such as performance evaluations from work or copies of test results. The evaluator will examine them to see if your symptoms meet the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator could also ask you questions about your routine and lifestyle in order to determine the severity of your symptoms.
For example, the evaluator will need to know the length of time your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've affected with your daily routine. They'll also examine your medical history and conduct some tests to rule out any other ailments that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
Treatment
The management of ADHD in adulthood can be a challenge however, treatments are available. The most popular treatment is medication. They can help reduce symptoms and regulate brain activity, but must be prescribed and taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The stimulant medications are typically the first choice, however non-stimulants may also be used in certain instances. In addition to treating ADHD your doctor might recommend additional neuropsychological or psychological tests to determine the effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The signs of ADHD can hinder relationships and personal growth. Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty reading social cues or interpreting body language. This can result in inadequate communication. This can create difficulties at workplace and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to develop mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In fact, it's thought that 60% of those who suffer from ADHD suffer from symptoms that last into adulthood and women are less likely to outgrow their condition than men.
The most important step in finding a diagnosis and treating ADHD is recognition. As adults get older, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it's difficult for them to get the help and support they need. The good news is that the current research on ADHD is geared toward understanding its impacts in women, and advancements in treatment and diagnosis are being developed.
In addition to medications, many women with ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle modifications and strategies for treating. For example certain women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can assist them with ways to manage their time and create structures to improve their life and productivity. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy which helps them accept their thoughts and feelings while swapping negative thinking patterns for healthier ones. Marital counseling and family therapy are also beneficial for women who are suffering from depression. They can learn to communicate more effectively with their spouses and how to resolve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a huge difference in managing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying focused and falling to sleep at late at night. This includes a regular sleep routine, listening relaxing to music or listening to an audiobook and avoiding electronics before going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women isn't well-diagnosed, 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 to find an ADHD specialist in your region. It's also a good idea for you to join an ADHD support group in your area. Many of these groups can help you find health care specialists who are proficient in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and can offer a welcoming environment.
Because girls and women typically experience different symptoms of ADHD than boys and men it can be difficult for doctors to identify. Certain doctors may not understand these differences and may make incorrect diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is especially applicable to impulsive hyperactive and inattentive ADHD symptoms.
You can take an online test for female ADHD If you think you may have the disorder. This free screening tool is built on DSM 5 criteria and was created with the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnostic test and should be accompanied by a professional consultation. It is important to note that this article employs the terms "male" and "female" to be referring to gender, but we will use the sex identities that represent the person's gender-specific identity.