ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed
Women and those who were assigned female at birth disguise their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have lasted since childhood, technically prior to age 12. Doctors can interview close friends and family members.
Take this test to determine the way your symptoms compare to those of a woman with ADHD. It isn't a way to diagnose you but it can help your healthcare provider 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 kind of ADHD is more common for women than males. The symptoms of this subtype are less obvious than those of the other two and typically manifest as symptoms that are internal, such as the inability to stay on task or a tendency to daydream.
Inattention ADHD symptoms for women could include inattention deficit, forgetfulness in class or at work, as well as insufficient time management skills. They may also have difficulties keeping track of their bills and appointments, as well as doing household chores. Women may try to alleviate these problems by working harder or attempting to become more organized. high functioning adhd in women could lead to frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as drinking or taking drugs.
It is advisable to talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you suspect you may have ADHD. They can assist you in identifying signs and refer you if needed to a specialist. Your doctor will ask about your family history, your medical history, as well as any mental health issues that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides five ongoing symptoms that satisfy the criteria for an 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 before you can be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD. They must also have a negative impact on your daily life and interfere with how well you function.
You can lessen the symptoms by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can also reduce the amount of processed or sugary foods. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and help control impulsiveness, distractibility and promote restful sleeping. You can also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is a significant step in managing symptoms and living the life you want. However it's not something you're able to do on your own. A mental health professional is required to assess your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical exam. A medical doctor will review your medical history to rule out any other medical conditions that could mimic ADHD.
In most cases, people who are diagnosed with ADHD get treatment right away. There are two main drugs for the disorder that are 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 an appropriate medication based on your needs. It is best to discuss your options with them to ensure they can make the most informed decision about your symptoms.
Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent in boys and men however, females who are cisgender can also suffer from its symptoms. Unfortunately, because of the gender discrimination and the fact that a lot of doctors aren't aware of the ways ADHD can affect women, it can be more difficult for them to receive a correct diagnosis as adults.
This assessment online was developed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based on DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down to show how these symptoms look for women. While it cannot diagnose you, you can use it to start an interview with a therapist or medical doctor regarding your symptoms.
Bring all of your symptoms to the evaluator, along with any relevant documentation such as the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of your previous tests. The evaluator will examine the records to determine whether your symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator could also ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits in order to determine the severity of your symptoms.
The evaluator might be interested in knowing, for example how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they have affected your life. They'll also review your medical history and run some tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular treatment is medication. They can aid in regulating the brain's activity and alleviate symptoms, but they must be prescribed by medical professionals and under their supervision. In most instances, stimulant medication is the first choice. However, non-stimulant medications may be used in certain cases. In addition to addressing ADHD, your doctor may recommend additional neuropsychological or psychological tests to assess the impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.
ADHD symptoms can affect personal growth and relationships. Women with ADHD may have difficulty reading social cues or understanding body language. This can lead to inadequate communication. This can lead to difficulties at workplace and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD are also at higher risk of developing mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. It is estimated that 60% of people suffering from ADHD still have symptoms in adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to get rid of the condition.
The most crucial step in finding a diagnosis and addressing ADHD is recognition. For a lot of adults, their ADHD symptoms become more manageable as they get older. However, it's difficult for them to get the assistance and support they need. The good news is that current research on ADHD focuses on understanding its impact on women and is making advances in the treatment and diagnosis.
Many women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a change in lifestyle and therapeutic strategies in addition to medication. For high functioning adhd in women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can assist them with ways to manage their time and create structures to enhance their lives and productivity. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their thoughts and feelings and replace negative thought patterns with more positive ones. Women may also benefit from family therapy or marital counseling. They are able to communicate more effectively with their partners and resolve conflicts. A healthy sleep routine can help manage symptoms of ADHD such as difficulties sleeping and staying awake. This means a regular bedtime routine, listening to relaxing audiobooks or music, and avoiding electronics or screen time prior to going to going to bed.
Support
Despite the fact that ADHD in women is underdiagnosed, there are many resources and a whole community of people willing to assist you. If you're not sure what to do, ask your primary care physician for recommendations or call your insurance provider to request an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also a good idea for you to join an ADHD support group close to you. Many of these groups can assist you in finding health experts who are skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and can offer a welcoming environment.
Because women and girls often suffer from different symptoms of ADHD than men and boys They can be a challenge for doctors to diagnose. Some doctors might not be aware of these differences and make inaccurate diagnoses or employ unsuitable treatment strategies. This is particularly applicable to hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms.
You can take an online test for female ADHD in case you suspect that you might be suffering from the disorder. This test is free and built on DSM 5 criteria and was developed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnostic test and should be followed by a professional consultation. Be aware that the article makes use of "male" and 'female" as terms to refer to gender. However we believe in using sex identity that reflects the person's gender-affirming.