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ADHD in Women is Underdiagnosed Women and those who are born female (AFAB) who have ADHD often mask their symptoms. This makes it harder to be diagnosed. For ADHD to be diagnosed the symptoms must have been present since childhood. This is technically before the age of 12. Doctors may conduct interviews with close family and friends. Take this test to find out how your symptoms compare to those of women with ADHD. It's not a diagnostic tool however it will help your healthcare professional to better understand your needs. Signs and symptoms ADHD can affect adults as well. It's broken down into two subtypes: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. Some experts believe that the inattentive type of ADHD is more prevalent in women than in men. The symptoms of this type are not as obvious as those of the other two and usually manifest as symptoms that are internal, such as the inability to focus or frequent daydreaming. Women with inattention ADHD can experience forgetfulness as well as poor time management and difficulties paying attention at work or in class. They may also have trouble keeping track of bills and appointments or completing household chores. Women may try to compensate by working harder or becoming more organized. But, attention deficit in women and causes feelings of frustration. Some women resort to unhealthy coping behaviors, like alcohol and drug drinking. If you suspect you have ADHD, you should talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you recognize your symptoms and refer you to a specialist when needed. 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 (DSM) defines five continuous symptoms that satisfy 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 been present for at least six months in order to be diagnosed with either type of ADHD. They must also have a negative impact on your life and affect how you perform. You can lessen the severity of your symptoms by eating a healthy diet by exercising regularly and cutting down on processed or sugary food items. You can also practice mindfulness meditation to help you relax your body and mind, control impulsiveness and 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 an important step toward managing symptoms and having the life you desire. It's impossible to do it on your own. A mental health professional is needed to evaluate your symptoms and conduct an exhaustive physical examination. A medical professional will look over your medical history to determine if there are any other conditions that could mimic ADHD. Many people suffering from ADHD are treated immediately after being diagnosed. There are two main drugs for the disorder which are stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most 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 be based on your particular needs. It is best to discuss your options with them so they can make the best decision regarding your symptoms. Although ADHD is more prevalent in males and females, cisgender women can suffer from the same symptoms. Because of gender bias, and because many doctors are not aware of the ways ADHD affects women, it can be difficult for them as adults to receive the right diagnosis. This assessment was designed using the experiences of real ADHD women in mind. It is based upon the DSM-5 criteria but broken down to illustrate how these symptoms manifest for women. While it's not able to tell you if you're, you can use it to initiate conversations with a therapist, or a medical doctor regarding your symptoms. Bring Highly recommended Resource site to the evaluator with any relevant documentation such as the performance evaluations you receive at work or copies of previous tests. The evaluator will review them to see whether your symptoms are in line with DSM-5 criteria. The evaluator may also ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits in order 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 interferred with your daily routine. They will also look over your medical history, and conduct tests to rule out conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Treatment There are a variety of treatment options for adults with ADHD. The most commonly used treatment is medication. They can aid in regulating brain activity and ease symptoms however they must be prescribed by medical professionals and under their supervision. Stimulant medications are usually the first choice, however non-stimulants are also a possibility in some cases. In addition to treating ADHD, your doctor may suggest additional neuropsychological or psychological tests to assess the impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression. ADHD symptoms can interfere with the development of relationships and personal growth. Women who suffer from ADHD typically have a difficult to read social cues and picking up on body language and this can lead to poor communication skills. This can cause problems at home and work. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more susceptible to mood disorders like 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 get rid of the condition. The most important step to finding a diagnosis and treating ADHD is recognizing. As people get older, ADHD symptoms are easier to manage. However, it's difficult for them to get the assistance and support they need. The positive side is that current research on ADHD is geared towards understanding its impacts in women, and advancements in diagnosis and treatment are being developed. Many women with ADHD are able to benefit from lifestyle changes and therapeutic approaches in addition to medication. For instance some women benefit from working with an ADHD coach who can assist them with organizational strategies and develop strategies to improve their lives and productivity. Other options for treatment include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches women to accept their feelings and thoughts and replace negative thought patterns with healthier ones. Family therapy and counseling for couples can be beneficial to some women. They can learn to communicate more effectively with their partners and learn how to solve conflicts. A healthy sleeping routine can make a huge difference in managing symptoms of ADHD that can be a problem, like having trouble staying focused and falling to sleep at the end of the 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 going to bed. Support Despite the fact that ADHD in women isn't well-diagnosed, there are plenty of resources and a large community of people who are willing to assist you. If you're not sure what to do, ask your primary care physician for recommendations or phone your insurance provider to request an ADHD specialist in your region. Also, it's a good idea to look for an ADHD support group in your area. These groups can assist you to find health professionals with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD for adults, and they can also provide a supportive environment. Doctors may be unable to diagnose girls and women with ADHD, as they often have different symptoms than men and boys. Some physicians may misunderstand or undervalue these differences, leading to incorrect diagnoses and inadequate treatment strategies. This is especially relevant to the impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive symptoms of ADHD. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD, you can take the female ADHD test online. This tool is free and 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 an assessment test for diagnosing ADHD and should be followed by professional advice. It is important to note that the article makes use of “male” and 'female” as terms to refer to gender. However, we are committed to using sex identity that reflects the person's affirmation of gender.