Author: Georgia Macdonald-Danvers Welcome to the first post on ADH-She, a blog dedicated to providing women and girls of all ages accurate and impactful information in terms of their Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I believe the first place to start is here; "Do I have ADHD?" I think this is generally how most peoples journey begins. The complication for women is that many professionals do not have the right answer to this question! Entering the 21 century, research indicated that there is about an equal amount of men and women with ADHD. If that is the case, why is majority of research done on boys and men? (see Sexism & Mental Health) Here is where we can start, the basics. The DSM-5, an outline of diagnostic criteria for mental illness and disorders. Their criteria for ADHD is as follows: Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level
To break it down even further we have to ask; "What type of ADHD classification do I fit under?" ADHD has 3 sub-classifications to which you can fit under, which fit nicely into the DSM-5 criteria. First being Predominantly Inattentive, as you can assume, that would suggest that you exhibit majorly the inattentive symptoms as described above. Next would be Predominantly Hyperactive, again, suggesting you fit more into the hyperactive criteria. Last, there is Combined Type, suggesting that you express a combination of both types of symptoms more equally. Now, the information that is important to females would be that most female patients fall into the Predominantly Inattentive category. Why is this important you may ask? Because often, in research and diagnoses, professionals are looking for hyperactive symptoms (i.e. the symptoms that are most common in men). This can often leave women being misdiagnosed with various other disorders (such as mood or personality disorders) that may leave women with inadequate support. Last, I have to guide you to "What can I do with this new found knowledge?" Well everyone, with knowledge is power. Knowing what symptoms you may be exhibiting as well as what type you may fall under can be a helpful tool in your diagnoses journey. Express your concerns and what specific problems you may be having and make that direct connection to ADHD to your doctor or mental health professional to allow an accurate assessment. Sources: ADHD and Female Specific Concerns: A Review of the Literature and Clinical Implications by Nancy L. Nussbaum (2011) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) by American Psychiatric Association (2013) |