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ADHD in Women – Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Women with inattentive ADHD can have a harder to keep up with their daily responsibilities. This can cause issues in work and school. The symptoms can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopausal. This makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. Rating scales based on normative data from predominantly male or mixed samples may be detrimental to female patients. Other tools such as Nadeau or Quinn checklists provide female norms and can improve diagnostic assessment. Medications Women suffering from ADHD often 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 be overwhelmed by their own thoughts. The symptoms can also cause anxiety at home and interfere with relationships. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms and improve quality of life for these women. Stimulant medications are a popular treatment for people suffering from ADHD. However it's important to keep in mind that they are less effective when taken during pregnancy or menstrual cycle. Most medications are taken as pills, however there are some available in patches or liquid form. Stimulants work by enhancing the levels of brain chemicals responsible for attention and mood. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other treatments such as therapy and lifestyle changes. A study of seven women who had filled out an ADHD medication prescription discovered that their medication was less effective during the menstrual cycle, particularly during the second portion of the menstrual cycle. These women had been taking psychostimulant medications for a number of months, and two were also receiving an inhibitor of serotonin (SSRI). The women stated that their ADHD and mood problems grew worse in the week before and during menstrual cycle. Some women increased their doses of medication on their own without consulting with their physicians, while others had followed the prescribed dosage. The women were treated conformity with current guidelines in clinical practice and their dosage was adjusted each month until they achieved sufficient efficacy considering the effects of hormonal fluctuations on symptoms. These changes led to significant improvements in the lives of women. One woman described herself as noticing much more focus and clarity in her work, with less “brainfog” and increased concentration. She could complete tasks at work that she had previously avoided. She also was able to manage her emotions better by recognizing her anger and mood swings as hormonal changes. Other women described similar improvements. They were able to complete homework assignments in university classes, and attend social events and experienced fewer emotional meltdowns. They were able regulate their consumption of food more consistently, and they were more energetic for household chores. They were also able to improve their relationships and talk about their issues in a more open manner. Therapy If you suffer from ADHD it's normal to experience a range of feelings, from frustration and anxiety to shame and. But you don't need to be a burden on your own. There are many treatment options which 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 much easier to seek help and make changes that can improve your life. Stimulant medication, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamines (Adderall), is often prescribed to adult women suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulant medications, like atomoxetine(Strattera), can also be used to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity. The most effective treatment plans for adults and girls with ADHD consist of a combination of medications, therapy, lifestyle and organizational strategies, family and workplace accommodations. This approach takes into account the differences in hormone fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and other life events that may cause an increase in ADHD symptoms. Research has shown that females suffering from ADHD tend to be under-diagnosed and not recognized in comparison to males. This is due to gender biases in assessment tools and practices such as ratings scales or interviews. The fact that females are more likely to camouflage their symptoms makes them harder to recognize and are less likely than males and females to be referred to an ADHD assessment or consultation. Certain people who suffer from ADHD suffer from mood and anxiety disorders. This can lead to depression, and difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships. Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are also more prone to self injury, including burning, cutting or scratching their skin. If you're experiencing depression or other mental health issues together with ADHD consult an therapist or counselor who has experience treating these disorders. Therapists can validate your experiences, assist you question the impact that societal expectations and beliefs have on your outlook and teach you how to advocate for yourself. They can also assist you in developing techniques to manage your emotions and discover healthy ways to express your feelings. These can be one-on-one sessions or group therapy such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). These tools-based therapies are becoming more popular with adults suffering from ADHD, may help improve impulse control, mindfulness, and self-regulation. Counseling Women and girls with ADHD often have a difficult time finding the right treatment for them. They are susceptible to depression or have other mood changes that are difficult to recognize or treat. Additionally, they may struggle to meet the numerous expectations placed on them regarding their roles in the family, work and community. iampsychiatry suffering from ADHD should seek out counseling by a professional who will help them better understand the symptoms they experience and their impact on their daily lives. Women can benefit from individual talk therapy to learn how to manage their issues. This includes learning how to manage stress, how to deal with anger, and improving their ability to organize their lives. Some treatments are offered online as well as in-person. Women suffering from ADHD are also faced with additional issues due to the way that their symptoms interact throughout the menstrual period pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopausal. A person suffering from ADHD for instance can have difficulty staying focused in conversations or become easily distracted by background noise. She might also have difficulty reading other people's body language or picking up on social signals. She could be impulsive, and make mistakes in her housekeeping or financial management. She might have trouble getting to sleep or staying focused on work. Women who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. They can be overly sensitive to criticism and rejection and may have difficulty controlling their emotions. A therapist who is skilled in working with girls and women with ADHD is a great resource for those with ADHD. Many women who suffer from ADHD are more able to conceal their symptoms than men, which makes it more difficult for them to receive the diagnosis or treatment they need. It is important that girls and women suffering from ADHD educate their families about the disorder so they are more understanding. This will allow them to feel less isolated and lonely because most people don't know how ADHD affects women differently than men. It could also be helpful to explain why their symptoms are worse at certain times of day or during menstrual cycles. Support Groups Women with ADHD have particular challenges managing their symptoms, particularly as adults. They may have difficulty meeting societal expectations and manage family, career and household chores. They may struggle to maintain healthy relationships or cope with feelings of anxiety and depression. In turn, they may have a harder to seek help for their issues than men do. Additionally, female hormone fluctuations and comorbid conditions can cause the symptoms of ADHD to differ in severity between women and men. This can cause to more severe emotional problems like irritability or mood swings, to develop. It may also increase the risk of substance abuse or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) – patterns of behavior such as cutting and burning, scratching or headbanging, which are designed to relieve anxiety and emotional pain. It is essential to seek out support and professional help, even though a diagnosis of ADHD could be a challenge for girls and women. A mental health counselor with experience in treating adult ADHD should be consulted to conduct a thorough evaluation. These professionals can help you understand how gender roles, social expectations and hormonal changes affect the symptoms of the disorder. They can also provide strategies to overcome these issues. Many adults suffering from ADHD also benefit from joining a support group, which can offer an opportunity to talk about the challenges of living with the condition and share suggestions with others. They can choose an organization led by an experienced facilitator or a peer-led one. Support groups are accessible on the internet, via phone, or in person. Additionally, many national and local mental health organizations keep directories of support groups in their area. Some provide financial assistance to those who need it. It is important to choose a group that fits your preferences and requirements. You must be comfortable sharing your emotions and feelings within the group. The discussion should be honest and open. Additionally, you should think about the location and structure of the group. Whether you prefer an in-person meeting or a virtual one You should also think about the type of discussion and the frequency at which it occurs.