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ADHD in Women – Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Women who aren't attentive ADHD can have a harder time keeping up with their responsibilities. This can cause problems at school and at work. The symptoms may be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopausal. This can make diagnosing and treating difficult. Rating adhd in adult women test that rely on normative data from mostly male or mixed samples could disadvantage female patients. Other tools, like Nadeau and Quinn checklists, offer female norms which can aid in the diagnosis. Medicines Women suffering from ADHD frequently experience issues in their lives related to memory, organization, and time management. Additionally, they might struggle to concentrate at classes or at work and become overwhelmed by their own thoughts. These symptoms can create stress at home and cause problems with relationships. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms and improve the quality of life for these women. Stimulant medications are a common treatment option for adults with ADHD, but it's important to be aware that they are less efficient during pregnancy and menstrual cycles. The majority of medications are taken as pills, however some are available in patch or liquid forms. The stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals that are responsible for mood and attention. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as treatment and lifestyle modifications. A study of seven women who filled an ADHD prescription found that their medication became less effective during the premenstrual week especially during the second half of the menstrual cycle. These women had all been taking psychostimulant drugs for a long time and two of them were receiving serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). The women reported that their ADHD symptoms and mood disorders increased during the week leading up to and during menstrual cycles. The women had been taking 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 clinical guidelines and their medication dosages were adjusted monthly until they achieved sufficient efficacy, taking into consideration the effects of hormonal fluctuations on symptoms. These changes resulted in significant improvements in women's lives. One woman stated that she noticed a lot more focus and clarity as well as less “brainfog”, and an increased concentration. She could complete tasks at work that she had previously avoided, and was able to handle her emotions more effectively as she recognized her irritability and mood swings as hormonal fluctuations. Other women described similar improvements. They were able to finish homework assignments, attend university classes and participate in social events, and they had less emotional meltdowns. They were able to regulate their consumption of food with more consistency, and had more energy to tackle household chores. They also were able to improve their relationships and speak openly about their struggles. Therapy If you suffer from ADHD it's normal to feel a variety of emotions, from anger and shame to confusion. However, you don't have to go through it all on your own. There are a number of treatments available, including medication and therapy. The most important step is to get an accurate diagnosis. Once you have a clear understanding of what your symptoms look like, it's easier to seek assistance and make changes to 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 be used to help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity. The most effective treatment strategy for adults and girls who have ADHD includes a combination of medication therapy, lifestyle and organizational strategies, as well as workplace and family accommodations. This approach considers the different hormone fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menopausal, perimenopausal as well as other life events which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Research shows that females with ADHD are not recognized and diagnosed when compared to males and boys mostly due to gender bias in assessment tools and practices, like rating scales and interviews. Females disguise their symptoms, making them more difficult to recognize. They are also less likely to be referred for an ADHD assessment or consultation than boys and men. Some people with ADHD suffer from mood and anxiety disorders. This can cause depression, as well as difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships. Young women and girls who have ADHD are also susceptible to self-injury, which can include cutting, burning or scratching their skin. If you're suffering from depression or other mental health challenges along with your ADHD, talk to a counselor or therapist who is skilled in treating these conditions. Therapists can validate your experiences, assist you examine the impact that society's expectations and beliefs can have on your outlook, and show you how to advocate for yourself. They can help you learn techniques for managing your emotions as well as finding healthy ways to communicate with yourself. These could be one-on-one sessions or group therapy such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These types of therapies based on tools are becoming increasingly popular with adults with ADHD and may help to improve impulse control, self-regulation, and mindfulness. Counseling Women and girls with ADHD struggle to find the right treatment. They might be prone to depression, or have mood changes that can be difficult to diagnose or treat. In addition, they can struggle to meet the numerous expectations placed on them for their roles in the family, work and community. It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD to seek help from a counselor who can help them understand their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. Individual therapy is an excellent method for women to deal with the negative effects of their disorder and learn strategies for coping. This includes learning how to manage stress, handle anger, and improve their organization skills. Some treatments are offered on the internet as well as in-person. Women who suffer from ADHD face additional challenges due to the way that their symptoms interact during menstrual cycles pregnancy, perimenopausal, and menopause. A person suffering from ADHD, for example, may have difficulty concentrating in conversations or become easily distracted by background noise. She might also have difficulty understanding the body language of others or interpreting social cues. She may be forgetful, and make errors in her housekeeping or financial management. She may have difficulty sleeping or staying focused at work. Women suffering from ADHD often have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships. They can be overly sensitive to rejection and criticism and may have difficulty controlling their emotions. A therapist who is skilled in working with women and girls with ADHD is a great source for them. Many women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time expressing their symptoms than men, making it more difficult for them to receive the diagnosis or treatment they require. It is important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to educate their loved ones about the condition so that they can be more understanding. This will help them feel less alone and isolated as the majority of people are unaware of the ways in which ADHD affects women differently from men. It could also be helpful to explain why their symptoms are more intense during certain times of the day or during menstrual cycles. Support Groups Women suffering from ADHD are faced with unique challenges in managing their symptoms. This is especially the case for adults. They may find it difficult to meet societal expectations and manage family, work and household chores. They may have trouble maintaining healthy relationships or coping with feelings of anxiety and depression. In turn, they might have a harder to seek assistance for their symptoms than men do. In addition, female hormone fluctuations and concomitant conditions can cause symptoms of ADHD to differ in severity between women and men. This can cause more frequent and severe emotional issues, including anger, low self-esteem and mood swings. It can also increase the risk of substance abuse and non-suicidal harm (NSSI), which are behaviors such as burning, cutting or scratching headbanging. It is essential to seek support and professional assistance, even if being diagnosed with ADHD may be a challenge for both girls and women. A mental health counselor with experience in treating adult ADHD should be sought out for a thorough assessment. They can assist you in understanding how gender roles and societal expectations affect the symptoms. They can also assist in teaching strategies to tackle these issues. Many adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from joining a support group which can offer an opportunity to discuss the challenges of living with the condition and share tips with other members. You can join groups that are run by a professional facilitator, or one that is facilitated by peers. Support groups are accessible online, over the phone, and in person. Numerous national and local mental health organizations also keep a directory of support groups within their respective areas. Some provide financial aid to those in need. It is essential to select the right group for your needs and preferences. You must be comfortable sharing your feelings and thoughts in the group. The discussion should be open and honest. In addition, you must consider the location and meeting structure of the group. If you would prefer a meeting in person or a virtual group it is important to think about the type of discussion and how often it takes place.