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ADHD in Women – Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Women with inattention ADHD may have a difficult time keeping up with their daily responsibilities. This can cause problems in work and school. Symptoms may be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopausal. This makes diagnosis, and treatment difficult. Rating scales that use normative data from predominantly male or mixed samples can disadvantage female patients. Other tools, like Nadeau and Quinn checklists, provide female norms that can improve diagnostic evaluation. Medicines Women with ADHD typically experience problems in their lives relating to memory, organization and time management. In addition, they may have trouble focusing in classes or at work and become overwhelmed by their thoughts. Symptoms can also interfere with relationships and create stress at home. A clear diagnosis and treatment can help ease symptoms and improve life for women suffering from these issues. Stimulant medication is a common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. However it's important to remember they may be less effective during pregnancy or menstrual cycle. The majority of medications are available in pill form, however some are also available as liquids or patches. Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals responsible for mood and attention. They can be used with other treatments such as therapy and lifestyle modifications. Seven women who had taken an ADHD prescription were studied. The medication they were prescribed was found to be less effective during the premenstrual period and especially during the second half of the menstrual period. These women had been taking psychostimulant medication for a long time and two were receiving an inhibitor of serotonin (SSRI). The women reported that their ADHD and mood symptoms worsened in the week before and during menstruation. The women were following the dosage prescribed by their physician and in some cases they had increased their doses without consulting their doctors. The women were treated according to current guidelines in the field and their medication dosages were adjusted every month until they had reached the level of effectiveness required, taking into consideration the effects of hormonal fluctuations on symptoms. These changes resulted in significant improvements in the lives of women. One woman said she was having more focus and clarity in her work, with less “brainfog” and improved concentration. She was able to finish tasks she was unable to complete in the past, and she recognized her mood swings and irritability as hormonal changes. Other women described similar improvements. They were able to finish homework assignments as well as attend university classes and participate in social events, and they had fewer emotional meltdowns. They were able to regulate their food intake with greater consistency, and had more energy to complete household chores. They also were able to improve their relationships and speak openly about their problems. Therapy If you have ADHD it's normal to experience a range of feelings, from frustration and guilt to confusion. You don't need to struggle alone. There are a number of treatment options available, including medication and therapy. The first step is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Once you know the symptoms you are experiencing it's easier to seek help or make changes that will improve your life. Stimulant medication, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamines (Adderall) is typically prescribed to women of adult age with ADHD. Non-stimulant medicines, like atomoxetine (Strattera) can also be used to improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and the impulsive behavior. The most effective treatment strategy for girls and adults who have ADHD is a combination of medications, therapy, lifestyle and organizational strategies, as well as workplace and family accommodation. This approach accounts for differences in hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, during puberty and pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, and other life events that could cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. Research suggests that females suffering from ADHD are under-identified and under-diagnosed compared to boys and men, largely because of gender bias in assessment methods and practices, such as rating scales and interviews. Females' tendency to camouflage their symptoms makes them harder to detect and they are less likely than males and females to be referred for ADHD assessment or consultation. Certain people with ADHD have anxiety and mood disorders that can cause depression and difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. Young women and girls who have ADHD are also susceptible to self-injury, such as cutting, burning or scratching their skin. Seek out an experienced counselor or therapist who has experience in treating mental health problems. A therapist can validate your experiences, help you examine the impact that society's expectations and beliefs have on your outlook, and show you how to advocate for yourself. They can also help you develop strategies to manage your emotions and identify healthy ways to communicate your feelings. These can be individual sessions or group therapy, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These types of therapy, which are increasingly popular with adults suffering from ADHD can help improve the control of impulses, mindfulness and self-regulation. Counseling Girls and women with ADHD often have a difficult time finding the appropriate treatment for them. They are susceptible to depression, or suffer from other mood changes that are difficult to identify or treat. They may also have trouble keeping up with the expectations society has for them at home, at work, and in the community. Women suffering from ADHD should seek counseling with a professional who can help them better understand their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. Individual talk therapy can be an excellent method for women to deal with the consequences of their disorder and to develop how to cope. This includes learning to manage stress, how to manage anger, and improving their ability to organize their lives. Some therapies are offered on the internet and others are offered in person. Women who suffer from ADHD have unique difficulties due to the way that their symptoms affect hormones throughout menstrual cycles as well as perimenopausal, pregnancy and menopause. For instance, a person who suffers from ADHD might struggle to focus on conversations or get distracted easily by background noise. She might also have difficulty reading other people's body language or interpreting social signals. She might be forgetful and make errors in financial management or housekeeping. She might have trouble getting to sleep or staying focused at work. It's also normal for women with ADHD to have difficulties making and maintaining relationships. They may be extremely sensitive and have difficulty controlling their emotions. Finding a therapist that is experienced in working with girls and women with ADHD can be a valuable resource for them. Many women with ADHD are more adept at hiding their symptoms, making it harder for them to get an accurate diagnosis or get the treatment they require. It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to inform their loved family members about the disorder so that they are more aware. This can also assist them to feel less isolated and alone, since most people don't understand how ADHD can impact women differently than it does men. It can also help to explain why their symptoms may be more severe during certain times of the day, or during their menstrual cycle. Support Groups Women with ADHD have particular challenges in managing their symptoms. This is especially relevant for adults. They may struggle to meet social expectations and manage family, career and household chores. They may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships or coping with depression and anxiety. In turn, they might have a harder time seeking help for their symptoms than men do. The degree of ADHD symptoms can differ between men and women due to female hormone fluctuations or other comorbid conditions. This can lead more severe emotional problems, such as irritability and mood swings, to develop. It may also increase the risk of self-injury caused by substance abuse or non-suicidal self-in (NSSI) (or behaviours such as cutting and burning, scratching or headbanging, which are designed to ease emotional pain and distress. It is crucial to seek professional assistance, even though a diagnosis of ADHD could be a challenge for girls and women. A mental health counselor who has experience treating adults with ADHD should be consulted for a thorough evaluation. These professionals can help you understand the ways gender roles, societal expectations, and hormonal changes affect the symptoms of ADHD. adult add women can also help teach strategies to address these challenges. Adults who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from joining support groups. These groups offer an opportunity to share their experiences and discuss the challenges of living with ADHD. They can choose an organization led by professional facilitators or one that is facilitated by peers. Support groups are available online, over the phone and in person. Many mental health and wellness organizations also maintain directories of support groups within their region. Some of them offer financial aid to those who need it. It is essential to select a group that fits your needs and preferences. You must feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and thoughts with the others in the group, and the discussion should be honest and open. In addition, you must think about the location and format of the group. If you would prefer a live meeting or a virtual one, you should also think about the type of discussion and how often it happens.