Is My Wife ADHD?   Frank Barnhill M.D.
 

Caution: It can be very hard to make a diagnosis of ADHD in a female!

A lot of the signs and symptoms of ADHD in females present themselves only in very subtle ways. See my article: “Girls can be ADHD, too!”

It’s much easier to make the ADHD diagnosis in boys and men because so often, they are hyperactive and rarely are girls or females. Most females with ADHD have the inattentive type not the impulsive-hyperactive type!

It’s interesting to note that recent publications have estimated that as much as 5 to 8 percent of the current adult population has some or all of the signs and symptoms of ADHD. Probably 40 to 50 % of those who are female are not diagnosed properly or the diagnosis is totally missed!

Many experts feel the segment of our adult population represents those who were not diagnosed between ages 5 and 21, those who were diagnosed ADHD and either failed treatment or stopped their therapy on their own, and those who have ADHD and still require treatment. Most women fall into the group of “not diagnosed”.

Making a diagnosis of ADHD in an adult requires we use guidelines actually developed for children, as none currently exist for adults.

Here is a checklist for you to use in deciding if your wife or girlfriend is ADHD:

For impulsivity or hyperactivity

Fidgets a lot, bites nails or twirls hair
Gets very bored if sits still for long periods
Impatient waiting in lines or taking turns
Seems flighty or running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off
Talks too much and will interrupt others to finish sentences
Has to have the last word in just about every conversation
Answers questions before they’re finished being asked
Offers opinions about everything
Has a hard time relaxing or doing leisure activities or group games

For Inattention

Starts projects such as crafts, housework, or job duties and fails to finish them
Runs late a lot or misses even important appointments
Forgets things easily or seems air headed
Can’t organize work, home or leisure activities (the house is always a mess)
Makes careless mistakes because not paying attention to details
Can’t concentrate on a task or specific job for long periods
Doesn’t seem to pay attention when you speak directly to her or appears to be daydreaming a lot
Avoids doing things that require a lot of effort or concentration
Misplaces things needed for work or home life (loses car keys)
Is distracted easily. If she sees or hears something that stimulates her, she may completely lose concentration in the middle of talking about something or completing a task. (Burns supper because the phone or doorbell rang)

If you checked fewer than 4 of these ADHD traits: It’s probably not ADHD

If you checked 4 to 6 of these ADHD traits: Your wife or girlfriend needs to be professionally evaluated for an “incomplete type of the disorder” and may benefit from treatment.

If six or more of these traits show up on your checklist: Your wife or girlfriend may very well be ADHD. The diagnosis should first exclude diseases that can mimic ADHD and then include the following:

Symptoms should have been present since age 7

The traits or symptoms should have been persistently present for at least 6 months

You should find the symptoms occur in a least two different interactive environments, such as home and work, home and school, work and play, work and church or other social events.

Treating ADHD has been shown to improve:

• Ability to keep a job
• Tendency to make higher wages
• Parenting skills
• Fewer legal problems (traffic tickets, wrecks, and drug use)
• Insurability and fewer medical problems
• Length and happiness in marriage
• Self-respect and self-esteem
• Ability to engage in social relationships
• Creativity and over all success in living a well-balanced happy life

By now, you realize the impact ADHD has on your loved one’s life, have probably made a rough diagnosis, and understand the benefits of treating female adult ADHD.

Good luck! This is truly a difficult diagnosis and you need help from a well-educated professional who understands ADHD thoroughly.

Dr. Frank

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