ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and people who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD often hide their symptoms. This makes it harder to determine the cause.
To be eligible for ADHD to be recognized the symptoms must have been present from the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12. Doctors may conduct interviews with close family members and friends.
Use this quiz to see the way your symptoms compare to those of women with ADHD. This quiz can't diagnose but it could give your healthcare professional a better understanding of your needs.
Symptoms
Many people view ADHD as an illness that affects children, but it can also manifest in adults. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive version of ADHD is more frequent in women. Symptoms of this subtype are less obvious than those of the other two and usually manifest as internal signs such as difficulty in staying focused or a tendency to daydream.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms in women could include forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention in classes or at work, and insufficient time management skills. They may also have difficulties keeping track of expenses and appointments or performing household chores. Women can compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. This can backfire and cause frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy methods of coping, like drug or alcohol use.
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 if you require a specialist. Your doctor will ask about your family history, medical history, as well as any mental health issues that might cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines 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 experienced symptoms for at least six consecutive months before you can be diagnosed with ADHD. They should also have a negative effect on your life and interfere with 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 foods. You can also try mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and body as well as control impulsiveness and distractibility and promote restful sleep. You could also discuss with your doctor about the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important step in managing symptoms and living the life you desire. It's not possible to do it by yourself. A mental health professional is needed to examine your symptoms and perform an extensive physical exam. A medical professional will go over your history in order to determine if there are any other conditions that could mimic ADHD.
In many cases, those who are diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment immediately. There are signs of adhd in women of medications to treat the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed because they work more quickly and provide a longer-lasting effect than non-stimulants. The type of medication your psychiatrist or therapist prescribes for you will depend on your specific needs. It is recommended to discuss all your options with them so that they can make an informed choice about your symptoms.
While ADHD is more common for males and boys, cisgender women can be affected by the same symptoms. Because of gender bias and due to the fact that a lot of doctors aren't aware of the way ADHD affects women, it can be difficult for them as adults to receive the correct diagnosis.
This assessment was designed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based on DSM-5 criteria and is divided into women's symptoms. Although it is not able to diagnose you however, it can be used to initiate a conversation with a therapist, or a medical doctor regarding your symptoms.
Bring all your symptoms to the evaluator along with any relevant documentation like performance evaluations at work or copies of your previous test results. The evaluator will review the records to determine if your symptoms meet the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluater will also ask questions about your lifestyle and habits to help determine the severity of your symptoms.
The evaluator might need to know, for example, how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms and how they have affected your life. They'll also review your medical history and conduct some tests to rule out other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most common treatment is medication. They can aid in regulating brain activity and ease symptoms however, they must be prescribed by a healthcare professional 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 treating ADHD your doctor might recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological tests to determine the effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD symptoms can hinder personal growth and relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have a harder time reading social cues and recognizing body language and this can lead to inadequate communication skills. This can create difficulties at work and at home. Women with ADHD also are more likely to develop mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. In fact, it is believed that 60% of those with ADHD suffer from symptoms that persist throughout their lives and women are less likely to recover from their condition than males.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step towards obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment. As people get older, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. It is challenging for them to receive the assistance and support they need. The good news is that the current research on ADHD is focused on understanding its impact in women and is making advancements in the diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to medications, many women with ADHD benefit from a variety of lifestyle changes and strategies for treating. For example certain women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can teach them organizational strategies and develop structures to enhance their lives and productivity. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches women to accept their thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thoughts with healthier ones. Women who are pregnant may also benefit from family therapy and marital counseling. They can learn how to communicate more effectively with their partners and how to resolve conflicts. The practice of healthy sleep habits can make a huge difference in managing symptoms of ADHD that can be a problem, like having trouble staying focused and falling asleep at the end of the night. This includes a regular sleep routine, listening to soothing to music or listening to an audiobook and avoiding electronics before bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is underdiagnosed There are plenty of resources and a large community of people willing to assist you. If you're unsure where to begin, consult your primary care physician for recommendations or phone your insurance provider to request an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also a good idea for you to find an ADHD support group near you. These groups can assist you in finding health experts who are skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults and provide a supportive environment.
Because add test for women and girls often experience different symptoms of ADHD than men and boys it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. Some doctors might not be aware of these differences and may make incorrect diagnoses or employ poor treatment strategies. This is particularly relevant to hyperactive impulsive and inattentional ADHD symptoms.
You can take an online test for female ADHD in case you suspect that you might be suffering from the disorder. This free test is built on DSM 5 criteria and was created using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is not a diagnostic test and should be followed by an expert consultation. Please note that the article uses "male" and "female" as terms to refer to gender. However we are committed to using a sex identity that is reflective of the person's gender-affirming.