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ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed Women and those who are who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD often hide their symptoms. This can make it more difficult to determine the cause. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have existed since childhood, technically prior to the age of 12. Doctors may interview close family members and friends. Take this test to find out the way your symptoms compare to those of a woman with ADHD. This test isn't a diagnostic tool, but it can give your healthcare professional a better understanding of your requirements. 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 in men. The symptoms of this type are less obvious than those of the other two, and they usually appear as internal signs such as inability to focus or a frequent daydreaming. Inattentive ADHD symptoms for women could include the inability to pay attention in classes or at work, as well as inadequate time management skills. They may also have difficulty keeping track of their bills or appointments, or even completing household tasks. Women can compensate by working harder or being more organized. This can backfire and cause frustration. Some women resort unhealthy coping strategies, such as drinking or using drugs. You should speak to your doctor or mental health professional if you think you may have ADHD. They can assist you in identifying symptoms and refer you if needed to a specialist. Your doctor will ask about your family history, medical history, as well as any mental health issues that may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines five ongoing symptoms to meet the requirements 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. Your symptoms must have lasted for at least six months to be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD. The symptoms must also be affecting your life negatively and impacting your ability to perform. You can reduce the severity of your symptoms by following healthy by exercising regularly and cutting down on processed or sugary foods. You can also try mindfulness meditation to help you relax your mind and body as well as control impulsiveness and distractibility and promote restful sleeping. You can also talk to your doctor about taking medication to treat symptoms of ADHD. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD is a crucial step to managing the symptoms and living the life you want to live. But it's not something you can do by yourself. A mental health professional will need to examine your symptoms and perform an extensive physical exam. A medical professional will look over your history in order to rule out any other conditions that could mimic ADHD. In many cases, people who are diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment immediately. There are two types of medications to treat the disorder: stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants tend to be more well-known because they are faster acting and have a longer lasting effect than non stimulants. The kind of medication your therapist or psychiatrist prescribes for you will depend on your specific needs. It is important to discuss your options with them so that they can make an informed decision regarding your symptoms. While ADHD is more common for males and boys, cisgender women can suffer from the same issues. Unfortunately, because of the gender-based bias and the fact that many doctors aren't aware of the ways ADHD can affect women, it is more difficult for women to receive a proper diagnosis as adults. This assessment online was created with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based on the DSM-5 criteria however, it is broken down into symptoms for women. It is not a diagnostic tool, but you can use it as a starting point to start an interview with a medical professional or therapist about your symptoms. When you go to the evaluator, bring all of your symptoms along with any records that may be relevant, such as performance evaluations from work or copies of old test results. The evaluator will examine them to determine whether your symptoms match the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator could also ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits to determine the severity of your symptoms. For example, the evaluator will be looking to determine how long your ADHD symptoms have been present and how they've interferred with your life. They'll also examine your medical history and run some tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for instance seizures or thyroid issues. Treatment Managing ADHD in adulthood can be challenging, but treatment options are available. The most popular treatment is medication. They can ease symptoms and regulate brain activity, but they must be prescribed and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. In the majority of cases, stimulant medications are the first option. However, non-stimulant drugs are sometimes used in specific situations. In addition to treating ADHD your doctor may recommend additional psychological or neuropsychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing disorders like depression or anxiety. ADHD symptoms can hinder your personal development and relationships. Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty interpreting social cues or interpreting body language. This can result in inadequate communication. This can cause issues at home and at work. Women who suffer from ADHD are also at greater risk of developing mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of adults with ADHD continue to suffer from symptoms into adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to overcome the condition. Recognizing ADHD is the first step in obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment. For a lot of adults they find that their ADHD symptoms are less severe as they get older. However, it is still difficult to get the assistance and support they need. adhd in women is that current research on ADHD is geared toward understanding its impacts in women, and advances in diagnosis and treatment are being developed. Many women suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from lifestyle changes and therapeutic strategies in addition to medication. Women who suffer from ADHD benefit from working closely with an ADHD coach who can assist them create organizational strategies and structures to boost their productivity and life. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy which helps them accept their thoughts and feelings, while swapping negative thinking patterns for healthier ones. Family therapy and counseling for marriage can be beneficial to women who are suffering from depression. They can develop the ability to communicate better with their partners and resolve conflicts. Practicing healthy sleep habits can make a big difference in managing symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty staying focused and falling to sleep at night. This means a regular bedtime routine, listening to relaxing audiobooks or music and avoiding any electronic devices or screen time before going to going to bed. Support Despite the fact that ADHD in women isn't well-diagnosed There are many resources and a large community of people willing to help you. Consult your primary physician for recommendations, or contact your insurance company to find an ADHD specialist near you. It's also recommended to find an ADHD support group near you. 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. Since girls and women often have different symptoms of ADHD than boys and men, they can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. Some doctors might not be aware of these differences and may make incorrect diagnoses or employ unsuitable treatment strategies. This is particularly applicable to the hyperactive, impulsive and inattentional symptoms of ADHD. You can take a test online for female ADHD if you suspect you may have the disorder. This test is free and built on DSM 5 criteria and was designed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. This is not a diagnosis test and should be accompanied by a consultation with a professional. Be aware that the article uses “male” and “female” as terms that refer to gender. However, we are committed to using sex identities that reflect the person's gender-affirming.