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ADHD in Women – Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Women with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty keeping up with their daily tasks. This can lead to problems at work and at school. The symptoms may be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopausal. This makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. Rating scales that employ normative samples dominated by males or mixed samples can be disadvantageous to female patients. Other tools, such as Nadeau or Quinn checklists provide female norms and can improve diagnosis. Medicines Women suffering from ADHD frequently experience issues in their lives relating to memory, organization, and time management. In addition, they may have trouble focusing in school or work and can be overwhelmed by their thoughts. The symptoms can also create stress at home and cause problems with relationships. A proper diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms and the quality of life for these women. Stimulant medication is a popular treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD However, it's important to remember that they may not be as effective during menstruation and pregnancy. Medications are most commonly taken as pills, although some are available in patch or liquid form. Stimulants increase levels of brain chemicals that are responsible for mood and attention. They can be used in isolation or in conjunction with other treatments including lifestyle and therapy. A study of seven women who filled an ADHD medication prescription discovered that their medication became less efficient during the premenstrual period, particularly during the second portion of the menstrual cycle. The women were all taking psychostimulant drugs for several months. Two of them received a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The women said that their ADHD and mood symptoms worsened in the weeks prior to and during menstrual cycles. The women had been taking their prescribed medication dosage and in some cases they had increased their dosages without consulting their doctors. The women were treated based on current clinical guidelines and their dosages were adjusted monthly until they achieved sufficient efficacy taking into account the effects of hormonal fluctuations on symptoms. These changes led to significant improvements in the lives of women. One woman said she noticed a lot more clarity and focus as well as less “brainfog”, and an improved concentration. She was able to finish tasks at work that she previously avoided, and she was able to cope with her emotions more effectively as she recognized her irritability and mood swings as hormone fluctuations. Other women described similar improvements. They were able to complete their homework assignments, take classes at universities and participate in social activities. They also experienced fewer emotional breakdowns. They were able regulate their consumption of food more effectively, and had more energy to complete household chores. Their relationships also improved, and they were able to talk about their issues in a more open manner. Therapy If you suffer from ADHD, it is normal to feel a variety of emotions, ranging from anger and guilt to confusion. It isn't necessary to be on your own. There are many options for treatment including therapies and medication. 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. Adult women with ADHD are usually prescribed stimulant medications like amphetamines or methylphenidate. Non-stimulant medicines, like atomoxetine (Strattera) can also be used to boost concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulse-driven behavior. The most effective treatment plan for adults and girls who suffer from ADHD is a combination of medications therapy, lifestyle, and organization strategies, in addition to workplace and family accommodations. This approach takes into consideration the differences in hormone fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, as well as other life events that can create ADHD symptoms. Research suggests that females suffering from ADHD are not recognized and diagnosed in comparison to men and boys mostly due to gender bias in assessment techniques and practices such as rating scales or interviews. The fact that females tend to conceal their symptoms makes them more difficult to recognize and they are less likely than men and boys to be assessed to a specialist for ADHD assessment or consultation. Some people with ADHD suffer from anxiety and mood disorders. This can cause depression, as well as difficulties in building and maintaining relationships. Girls and young women who have ADHD are also more prone to self-injury, which can include cutting, burning, or scratching their skin. If you are experiencing depression or other mental health challenges along with your ADHD consult someone who is experienced in treating these conditions. Therapists can help you identify your own experiences, ask questions about the impact of society's expectations and beliefs on your outlook, and teach you to engage in self-advocacy. They can assist you in learning techniques for managing your emotions as well as finding healthy ways to express yourself. These could be individual sessions or group therapy like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These types of therapies based on tools are becoming increasingly popular among adults with ADHD and can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and mindfulness. Counseling Girls and women with ADHD often have a difficult time finding the right treatment for them. They may be susceptible to depression, or suffer from other mood swings that are difficult to recognize or treat. In addition, they can be unable to manage the many expectations society places on them for their roles in the family work, community and family. Women with ADHD need to seek counseling from a professional who can assist them in understanding their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. Women can benefit from individual talk therapy to learn how to manage their condition. This includes learning how to manage stress, deal with anger, and improve their organizational skills. Certain therapies are available in person and others are available online. Women who suffer from ADHD also face particular issues due to the way that their symptoms interact with hormones throughout the menstrual cycle as well as perimenopausal, pregnancy and menopausal. A person suffering from ADHD for instance might have trouble focusing on conversations or get distracted by background noise. She may also have trouble understanding the body language of others or interpreting social cues. She might be forgetful and commit mistakes in housekeeping or financial management. She might have trouble getting to sleep or staying focused on her work. It's also normal for women with ADHD to have trouble forming and maintaining relationships. They may be extremely sensitive to rejection and criticism and have trouble regulating their emotions. A therapist who works with girls and women who have ADHD can be an invaluable source. Many women who suffer from ADHD mask their symptoms better than men, which makes it more difficult for them to receive the diagnosis or treatment they require. It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to educate their loved children about the condition so that they are more aware. This will help them feel less lonely and isolated as the majority of people are unaware of the ways in which ADHD affects women differently from men. It can also help to explain why the symptoms of women may be more severe during certain periods of the day or during their menstrual cycle. Support Groups Women with ADHD have unique challenges managing their symptoms, especially as they grow older. They may find it difficult to meet social expectations and manage family, career, and housework. They may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships or manage feelings of anxiety and depression. This means that they may have a harder time seeking help for their symptoms than men do. Additionally female hormone fluctuations as well as comorbid conditions can cause the symptoms of ADHD to be different in severity between women and men. This can lead to more frequent and serious emotional difficulties, such as anxiety, low self-esteem and mood swings. It also increases the risk of self-injury or substance abuse. (NSSI) which are patterns of behavior such as cutting and burning, scratching or headbanging, all of which are designed to ease emotional pain and distress. It is important to seek professional help, even though a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult for both girls and women. A mental health counselor who has experience treating adults with ADHD is recommended for a thorough assessment. These experts can assist you in understanding the ways gender roles and social expectations impact the symptoms. They can also teach strategies to address these challenges. Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from joining support groups. These groups offer an opportunity for members to share their experiences and discuss the challenges associated with living with ADHD. adhd in adult women iampsychiatry can join a group that is led by a professional facilitator, or one that is facilitated by peers. Support groups are available on the internet, by phone or in person. Additionally, many local and national mental health organizations have directories of support groups within their region. Some of them offer financial aid to those who need it. When you are choosing a support group, it's essential to find one that is a good fit for your needs and preferences. You should feel comfortable sharing your emotions and feelings within the group. The discussion should be open and honest. It is also important to consider the structure and location of your group's meetings. You should also consider the type of discussion, and the frequency you would like to conduct it.