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ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed Women and people who are born female can mask their symptoms of ADHD. This can make it harder to receive a diagnosis. For ADHD to be considered a diagnosis the symptoms must have been present from the age of a child. This is technically before the age of 12 years old. Doctors may conduct interviews with close family and friends. This test will allow you to assess your symptoms against those of women with ADHD. It can't diagnose you but it will help your healthcare professional determine your needs better. Signs and symptoms Many people think of ADHD as a disorder 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 kind of ADHD is more common for women than males. This subtype is less obvious than the other two. It usually manifests as internal symptoms, such as the inability to concentrate or a tendency to daydream. Women with inattentive ADHD can experience lack of focus, poor time management, and difficulty paying attention in classes. They may also have trouble keeping track of expenses, appointments, or complete household chores. Women may try to alleviate these problems by working harder or attempting to become more organized. This could lead to frustration. Some women turn to unhealthy ways of coping for example, alcohol and drug use. If you think you may have ADHD, you should talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can assist you in identifying symptoms and refer you when required to an expert. Your doctor will ask about your family history, medical history, and any mental health issues that could be similar to symptoms of ADHD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines five ongoing signs that meet the criteria needed 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. Your symptoms must have been present for at least six months to be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD. They should also have a negative impact on your life and affect how you perform. You can lessen the symptoms by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can also reduce your intake of processed and sugary food items. You can also try mindfulness meditation to help calm your mind and body, control impulsiveness and distractibility, and promote restful sleep. You can also discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking medication to treat ADHD symptoms. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial step towards managing your symptoms and having the life you desire. However, it's not something you're able do on your own. A mental health professional is needed to assess your symptoms and perform a thorough physical exam. A medical doctor will also review your background to rule out other issues that may be similar to ADHD. In many cases, people who are diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment immediately. There are two types of drugs to treat the disorder: stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants are more commonly used because they perform more quickly and have a longer-lasting effect than non-stimulants. The kind of medication your psychiatrist or therapist prescribes for you will be based on the specific needs of your patient. It is best to discuss your options with them to ensure they can make the best decision regarding your symptoms. Despite the fact that ADHD is more prevalent among males and females but cisgender females too can suffer from the symptoms. Unfortunately, because of the gender discrimination and the fact that many 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 online assessment was created by keeping the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based upon the DSM-5 criteria, but it is broken down to reveal how these symptoms appear for women. Although it is not able to diagnose you however, it can be used to begin conversations with a therapist or medical doctor about your symptoms. When you go to the evaluator, bring all of your symptoms along with any other records that could be relevant, like performance evaluations from work or copies of test results. The evaluator will examine them to determine if your symptoms meet the DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator will also ask questions about your life and habits to help determine the severity of your symptoms. The evaluator may be interested in knowing, for example how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms and how they've affected your life. They will also review your medical history and perform tests to rule out conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Treatment There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular treatment is medication. They can ease symptoms and control brain activity, but they must be prescribed and under the supervision of a health professional. The stimulant medications are typically the first choice, however non-stimulants may also be used in certain instances. In addition to addressing ADHD your doctor may recommend additional neuropsychological or psychological testing to examine the impact of co-existing disorders like anxiety or depression. The symptoms of ADHD can hinder relationships and personal development. Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty interpreting social cues or understanding body language. This can result in inadequate communication. This can create difficulties at work and at home. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It is estimated that 60% of adults with ADHD are still suffering from symptoms in adulthood. Women are also less likely than men to get rid of the condition. Recognizing ADHD is the first step in obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment. As people get older, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it is still difficult for them to receive the assistance and support they require. The good news is, the current research on ADHD is focused on understanding the effects of ADHD on women and is making progress in the diagnosis and treatment. In addition to medication in addition to medication, many women with ADHD benefit from a range of lifestyle modifications and therapeutic strategies. For instance some women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can teach them organizational strategies and develop strategies to improve their lives and productivity. Other treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps women to accept their thoughts and feelings while replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones. Women might also benefit from family therapy or marital counseling. They can learn how to communicate more effectively with their partners and how to resolve conflicts. Practicing healthy sleep habits can make a big difference in managing symptoms of ADHD like difficulty staying focused and falling to sleep at late at night. This can be accomplished by having an established routine for bedtime, listening to relaxing audiobooks or music, and avoiding electronics or screen time before going to sleep. Support Despite the fact that ADHD in women is underdiagnosed There are plenty of resources and a huge community of people ready to help you. Consult attention deficit disorder in women for recommendations, or phone your insurance provider to find an ADHD specialist in your area. Also, it's a good idea to look for an ADHD support group in your local area. These groups can assist you to locate health care professionals with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults. They can also provide a calming atmosphere. Doctors may face difficulties diagnosing girls and women with ADHD as they usually exhibit different symptoms than men and boys. Certain doctors may be misinformed or overlook the differences between them, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and ineffective treatment strategies. This is especially true when it comes the hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD If you think you might be suffering from ADHD, take the female ADHD test online. This test is free and built on DSM 5 criteria and was created with the real experiences of ADHD women in mind. It is not an assessment test for diagnosing ADHD and should be followed up with professional advice. Please note that this piece employs the terms “male” and “female” to be referring to gender, but we are committed to using the sex identities that represent the person's gender-specific identity.