ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Females and women who have been assigned female at birth (AFAB) who have ADHD often mask their symptoms. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis.
For ADHD to be diagnosed the symptoms must have been present since the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors may conduct interviews with close family members and friends.
Use this quiz to see how your symptoms compare with those of women with ADHD. It isn't a way to diagnose you however it can help your healthcare professional to better understand your needs.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be a problem for adults too. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe the inattentive type of ADHD is more prevalent in women. Symptoms of this subtype are less obvious than those of the other two, and they usually appear as internal symptoms like inability to focus or a frequent daydreaming.
Women with inattention ADHD may experience forgetfulness and poor time management and difficulties paying attention in class. They may also have trouble keeping track of expenses, appointments, or doing household chores. Women may try to compensate by working harder or being more organized. This could lead to frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy ways of coping, such as drinking or taking drugs.
It is advisable to talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you think that you might be suffering from ADHD. They can help you recognize symptoms and refer you if required to a specialist. Your doctor will ask about your family history, your medical history, as well as any mental health issues that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines 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.
You must have experienced symptoms for at least six consecutive months before you are diagnosed with ADHD. They must also have a negative impact on your daily life and interfere with how well you function.
You can manage your symptoms by eating an exercise and diet plan that is healthy and regularly. You can also cut down on the amount of processed or sugary food items. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to help calm your body and mind to manage impulsiveness and distraction and promote restful sleep. You could 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 having the life you want. It's not possible to manage it on your own. A mental health professional will need to assess your symptoms, and conduct an extensive physical examination. A medical professional will also review your history to rule out other issues that may be similar to ADHD.
Many people with ADHD are treated right away after being diagnosed. There are two types of medications to treat the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are more popular due to their speed of acting and have a more lasting effect than non stimulants. The kind of medication your therapist or psychiatrist prescribes for you will depend on the specific needs of your patient. It is best to discuss your options with them to make an informed decision regarding your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men, cisgender females can also be affected by its symptoms. Due to gender bias, and because many doctors are unaware of the ways ADHD affects women, it can be difficult for them as adults to receive the correct diagnosis.
This online assessment was created using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based off the DSM-5 criteria and is divided into women's symptoms. Although it is not able to diagnose you but you can use it to initiate an interview with a therapist, or a medical doctor about your symptoms.
Bring all of your symptoms to the evaluator with any relevant documentation such as performance evaluations at work or copies of previous tests. The evaluator reviews the records to determine if they meet the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator could also ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits to determine the severity of 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 run several tests to rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
Treatment
There are many treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular treatment is medication. They can help reduce symptoms and control brain activity, but they must be prescribed and under the supervision of a health professional. In the majority of cases, stimulant medications are the first option. However, non-stimulant medications are sometimes used in specific situations. Your doctor may also suggest neuropsychological or psychological tests to determine the effects of coexisting disorders like anxiety or depression.
ADHD symptoms can interfere with the development of relationships and personal growth. Women with ADHD tend to have a harder in recognizing social cues as well as understanding body language, which can lead to poor communication skills. This can cause issues at work and home. Women with ADHD are also at higher risk of developing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of people with ADHD are still suffering from symptoms in adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to outgrow the condition.
Recognizing ADHD is the first step to getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment. For many adults, their ADHD symptoms are more manageable as they age. It is difficult to get the assistance and support they need. The good news is that current research on ADHD is focused on analyzing the impact of ADHD on women and is making advancements in diagnosis and treatments.
adhd test for women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a change in lifestyle and therapeutic strategies in addition to medications. Certain women who suffer from ADHD benefit from working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them develop organizational strategies and create structures to boost their performance and quality of life. Other treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy which helps them accept their thoughts and feelings while swapping negative thinking patterns for healthier ones. Women might also benefit from family therapy or counseling for marital issues. They can learn how to communicate more effectively with their spouses and how to resolve conflicts. Healthy sleep habits can help with symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying awake and falling asleep. This means an established routine for bedtime or listening to calming audiobooks or music and avoiding electronic devices or screen time prior to going to sleeping.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is not well-diagnosed however, there are many resources and a large community of people who are willing to support you. If you're not sure where to begin, consult your primary physician for recommendations or contact your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also a good idea to look for an ADHD support group in your area. Many of these groups can assist you in finding health professionals who are experienced with diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults and provide a supportive environment.
Doctors may be unable to diagnose girls and women suffering from ADHD as they usually present with different symptoms than men and boys. Some doctors might not be aware of the differences between them and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ unsuitable treatment strategies. This is especially true when it comes to hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive symptoms of ADHD.
You can take an online test for female ADHD if you suspect you may have the disorder. This free tool for screening was developed with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on DSM 5 and is a screening tool based on DSM 5 Criteria. It is not a diagnostic test and should be followed by a professional consultation. Please note that this piece employs the words "male" and "female" to refer to gender, however, we will use gender identities that reflect the person's affirmation of gender identity.