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ADHD in Women – Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Women who aren't attentive ADHD might have trouble maintaining their daily commitments. This can lead to problems at school and at work. signs of add in adult women may be exacerbated by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. This can make diagnosing and treating difficult. Rating scales that use normative data from predominantly male or mixed samples can be detrimental to female patients. Other tools, such as Nadeau or Quinn checklists offer female norms and may aid in the diagnostic evaluation. Medicines Women with ADHD are often plagued by problems that are related to time management, memory and organization. They may also have difficulty concentrating at school or work and may become overwhelmed by their thoughts. The symptoms can also create stress at home and interfere with relationships. A proper diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms and the quality of life for these women. Stimulant medications are a common treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD however it is important to keep in mind that they are less effective during menstruation and pregnancy. The majority of medications are available in pill form, but some are also available as liquids or patches. Stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals responsible for mood and attention. They can be used in isolation or with other treatments, including therapy and lifestyle changes. Seven women who had taken an ADHD prescription were studied. Their medication was discovered to be less effective during the premenstrual week and, in particular, during the second week of the menstrual cycle. These women had been taking psychostimulant drugs for several months, and two were also receiving an inhibitor of serotonin (SSRI). The women stated that their ADHD symptoms and mood symptoms increased during the week leading up to and during menstrual cycle. The women were following their prescribed medication dosage, and in some cases, had independently increased their doses without consulting their physicians. The women were treated in conformity with current guidelines in clinical practice, and their medication dosage was adjusted every month until sufficient efficacy was achieved considering the effects of hormonal fluctuations on symptoms. These changes resulted in significant improvements in women's lives. One woman reported that she noticed an increase in clarity and focus as well as less “brainfog”, and an increased focus. She was able to complete tasks at work that she previously avoided, and was able to handle her emotions better, recognizing her irritability and mood swings as hormonal fluctuation. Other women described similar improvements. They were able to finish homework assignments, attend university classes and take part in social gatherings and had less emotional meltdowns. They were able to regulate their consumption of food more effectively, and were more energetic for household chores. They also were able to improve their relationships and talk about their issues in a more open manner. Therapy It's normal to experience a range of emotions if you suffer from ADHD. These can range from frustration to shame to confusion. It isn't necessary to be alone. There are a number of treatment options available that include therapy and medication. The first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Once you have a clear understanding of what your symptoms appear like, it's easier to seek help and make changes to improve your life. Stimulant medication, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamines (Adderall), is often prescribed to women of adult age with ADHD. Non-stimulant medicines, like atomoxetine (Strattera) can also be used to boost concentration and decrease hyperactivity as well as the impulsive behavior. The most effective treatment strategy for girls and adults who suffer from ADHD includes a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle and organizational strategies, as well as workplace and family accommodations. This method takes into account differences in hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle during pregnancy and puberty as well as perimenopause and menopausal changes and other life events that could exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Research indicates that females with ADHD are not recognized and diagnosed compared to boys and men, largely because of gender bias in assessment methods and practices, such as rating scales and interviews. Females hide their symptoms, making them harder to identify. They are also less likely to be referred to an ADHD assessment or consultation than men and boys. Some people with ADHD experience mood and anxiety issues which can lead to depression and difficulties in creating and maintaining relationships. Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to self-injury, which can include cutting, burning, or scratching their skin. Speak to a therapist or counselor who has experience in treating mental health conditions. Therapists can validate your experiences, assist you to examine the impact that society's expectations and beliefs have on your outlook, and show you how to advocate for yourself. They can help you develop strategies for managing your emotions as well as finding healthy ways to express yourself. These could be one-on-one sessions or group therapy, like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). These types of therapy are becoming increasingly popular with adults suffering from ADHD can aid in improving impulse control, mindfulness, and self-regulation. Counseling Girls and women with ADHD often have a difficult time finding the appropriate treatment for them. They may be susceptible to depression or experience other mood disorders that are difficult to identify or treat. They may also have difficulty managing all the expectations that society places on them in their roles at home as well as at work and in the community. It is important for women suffering from ADHD to seek treatment from a counselor who will help them understand their issues and how they affect their daily lives. Individual therapy is an effective way for women to cope with the negative effects of their disorder and learn coping skills. This includes learning how to manage stress, handle anger and improve their organizational skills. Certain therapies are available in person, while others are available online. Women who suffer from ADHD also face particular difficulties due to the way their symptoms are influenced by hormones throughout menstrual cycles as well as perimenopausal, pregnancy and menopause. A person suffering from ADHD, for example might have trouble focusing on conversations or get distracted by background noise. signs of add in adult women may also have trouble reading body language and recognizing social cues. She may be forgetful and often makes errors in household management or financial management. She may have difficulty getting to sleep or staying focused on work. Women with ADHD typically have trouble forming and maintaining healthy relationships. They may be overly sensitive and have difficulty controlling their emotions. A therapist who works with girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be an invaluable source. Many women with ADHD are more able to conceal their symptoms than men, which makes it more difficult for them receive the diagnosis or treatment they require. It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to educate their loved ones about the disorder so that they can be more understanding. This can also assist people feel less isolated and alone, since the majority of people do not understand how ADHD affects women differently than it does men. It can also help to explain why the symptoms of women may be more severe at certain periods of the day or during their menstrual cycle. Support Groups Women who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges managing their symptoms, especially as they grow older. They may struggle to manage their family, career and housework, or meet societal expectations. They may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships or dealing with feelings of depression and anxiety. In turn, they may have a tougher time seeking help for their issues than men do. In addition female hormone fluctuations and concomitant conditions can cause symptoms of ADHD to be different in intensity between men and women. This can result in more frequent and more severe emotional difficulties, such as irritability, low self-esteem, and mood swings. It also increases the risk of substance abuse or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which are behaviors like cutting and burning, scratching or head banging, which are designed to alleviate distress and emotional pain. It is crucial to seek support and professional help, even though the diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for girls and women. A mental health professional with experience in treating adult ADHD should be consulted for a thorough evaluation. These professionals can help you understand how gender roles and social expectations affect the symptoms. They can also instruct strategies to tackle these issues. Many adults with ADHD can also benefit from joining a support group which gives them the chance to discuss the difficulties of living with the condition and share suggestions with other members. You can join groups that are directed by a professional facilitator, or a group that is peer-led. Support groups are available on the internet, by phone or in person. Many mental health and wellness organizations also have directories of support group in their respective areas. Some provide financial aid to those in need. When choosing a support group, it is important to find one that is a good match for your needs and preferences. You should feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings with other members of the group, and discussions should be open and honest. In addition, you should consider the location and meeting structure of the group. Also, you should consider the type of discussion and the frequency you would like to hold it.