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ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed Females and women who have been assigned female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD often conceal their symptoms. This can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis. For ADHD to be considered a diagnosis, symptoms must have been present since the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors can interview close family members and friends. Use this quiz to see the way your symptoms compare to those of women with ADHD. It can't diagnose you but 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 version of ADHD is more frequent among women. This subtype is less evident than the other two. adhd women test like an inability to focus or a tendency for daydreaming. Inattentive ADHD symptoms in women can 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 expenses, appointments, or complete household chores. Women may try to alleviate these problems by working harder or trying to become more organized. However, this often backfires and creates feelings of anger. Some women turn to unhealthy ways of coping like alcohol and drug drinking. It is recommended to speak with your doctor or a mental health professional if you think you may have ADHD. 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 might 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. You must have had symptoms for at minimum six consecutive months before you can be diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms must also be impacting your life negatively and affecting how well you function. You can reduce the severity of your symptoms by following healthy and exercising regularly, as well as reducing your intake of sugary or processed food items. You can also try mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and body as well as control impulsiveness and distractibility and promote restful sleeping. You may also discuss with your doctor about 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. But it's not something you're able do on your own. A mental health professional is required to examine your symptoms and conduct an extensive physical exam. A medical professional will look over your medical history to rule out any other conditions that could be related to ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD are treated right away after being diagnosed. There are two types of drugs to treat the disorder: stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most popular due to their speed of 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 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 common among males and boys but cisgender females too can be affected by its symptoms. However, due to the gender bias and the fact that many doctors aren't aware of how ADHD can affect women, it is more difficult for women to receive a reliable diagnosis as adults. This assessment online was created with real ADHD women's experiences in mind. It is based upon the DSM-5 criteria, but is broken down to illustrate how these symptoms manifest for women. It's not a way to diagnose you, however you can use it as a starting point to start discussions with a medical doctor or therapist about your symptoms. Bring all of your symptoms to the evaluator along with any relevant documentation such as workplace performance evaluations or copies of your previous test results. The evaluator examines the records to determine if they meet the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluation will also ask you questions about your lifestyle and routines to determine the severity of your symptoms. The examiner may need to know, for example how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also review your medical history, and run some tests to rule out any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Treatment There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Medications are the most common therapy. They can help regulate brain activity and ease symptoms however, they should be prescribed by medical professionals and taken under their supervision. In the majority of instances, stimulant medication is the first choice. However, non-stimulant medications may be used in certain instances. Your doctor may also recommend neuropsychological or psychological tests to determine the impact of coexisting disorders like depression or anxiety. ADHD symptoms can affect personal growth and relationships. Women with ADHD tend to have a harder to read social cues and understanding body language, which can lead to poor communication skills. This can create difficulties at workplace and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD are also at a higher risk of developing mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. It is estimated that 60% of people with ADHD still have symptoms in adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to outgrow the condition. Recognizing ADHD is the first step in obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment. As we age, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. It can be difficult for them to get the help and support they need. The good news is that current research on ADHD is geared toward understanding its impacts in women, and advancements in diagnosis and treatment are being made. Many women with ADHD are able to benefit from a change in their lifestyle and therapeutic methods in addition to medication. For example, some benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can teach them ways to manage their time and create strategies to improve their lives and productivity. Other treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy which helps them accept their thoughts and feelings, while switching negative thinking patterns to healthier ones. Family therapy and counseling for couples can be beneficial to some women. They can learn how to communicate better with their partners and how to resolve conflicts. Healthy sleep habits can help manage symptoms of ADHD such as difficulties getting up and falling asleep. This can be accomplished by having a regular sleep routine, listening to soothing to music or listening to an audiobook and staying away from electronics before bed. Support Despite the fact that ADHD in women is underdiagnosed There are many resources and a large community of people ready to help you. If you're unsure what to do, ask your primary care physician for recommendations or call your insurance company for an ADHD specialist in your area. It's also recommended to find an ADHD support group near you. Many of these groups can help you find health care experts who are skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults and can provide a safe and supportive environment. Doctors may face difficulties diagnosing girls and women with ADHD, as they often exhibit different symptoms than men and boys. Certain doctors may not understand these differences and make inaccurate 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 may be suffering from the disorder. This free test is built on DSM 5 criteria and was developed with the real experiences of ADHD women in mind. It is not an assessment test for diagnosing ADHD and should be followed up with an expert consultation. Be aware that this article employs the terms “male” and “female” to refer to gender, but we believe in using sex identities that reflect a person's affirmed gender identity.