ADHD in Women<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD often are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed since symptoms manifest differently in them than in men. They may also experience exacerbated symptoms during hormone fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.<br /><br />Many women also conceal their symptoms more effectively to conform to the norms of society and expectations. They also have ways of coping that can lead to high-functioning ADHD.<br /><br />Medications<br /><br />Women face unique challenges in getting treatment for their ADHD symptoms. They are usually diagnosed later in their lives, and be unable to accept the diagnosis. It can be a challenge for them to find an expert in mental health who understands the differences between the genders of how ADHD presents. Inattention ADHD symptoms can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.<br /><br />Many of the same medications that are used to treat the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD in men are also used to treat the inattentive ADHD symptoms in women. These are generally methylphenidates or amphetamines such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). Antidepressants are medicines that don't act as stimulants. They alter the way your brain uses chemicals to regulate mood, attention and behavior. The most popular examples are bupropion (Wellbutrin(r)) and desipramine (Norpramin(r)) and Venlafaxine (Effexor(r)).<br /><br />The symptoms of inattention ADHD in women are typically manifested more as forgetfulness and trouble keeping organized, rather than as hyperactivity or impulsivity. As a result, they are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. Women may not be aware of the signs as they believe they are simply in a state of chaos or lack self-control. The expectations of society regarding women, including the need to be able to manage various aspects of their lives, and perform in different ways, can also make it difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Although it's not common and rare, inattention ADHD can have serious consequences that include difficulty maintaining friendships and romantic relationships and difficulties at work or school. Behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can ease symptoms in addition to medication.<br /><br />Stimulant medication is the most commonly prescribed treatments for adults with ADHD, but they don't work for everyone. It is essential to try a variety of medications before you find one that works. It's also quite common for people to use more than one treatment approach at the same time, and it's acceptable to change treatments if one doesn't seem to be working. Your doctor will inform you which treatment is best for you.<br /><br />Medication management<br /><br />Medication is an integral part of treatment for many adults suffering from ADHD. Medication can help improve focus and reduce symptoms which affect daily living. The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adults are stimulants. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts, and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).<br /><br />The stimulants alter the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals are concentrated in higher amounts which allow a person to concentrate and pay attention. There are also non-stimulant drugs that are often prescribed to people suffering from ADHD. These medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera) and antidepressants are slower than stimulants.<br /><br />Patients who take certain medications to treat their ADHD may experience a wide range of side effects. These adverse effects can be either severe or mild. These side effects may include stomach disturbances, changes to blood pressure and heart rate, difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety, tics or other mental health issues. They can also affect the appetite of a person and their weight.<br /><br />It is essential to ensure that you take ADHD medication as prescribed by your doctor. In the event of misuse, these medications could cause serious heart problems and other health issues. If you're currently taking these medications and have an ancestor with a history of heart disease or diabetes, or high blood pressure, it is recommended to consult your physician prior to beginning these medications.<br /><br />People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from therapy and behavioral treatments in addition to medications. These treatments can teach a person to better manage her time, arrange her schedule and prioritize her tasks. They can also teach strategies for dealing with anxiety and other issues that can trigger ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />For a lot of people suffering from ADHD the best approach to control their symptoms is with a combination of medication and other treatments. Adapting the work and school environment is one method to achieve this. Discuss with your doctor these options and find out whether there are any local resources that can assist you. The best treatment plans are usually individualized and require a trial-and error process of determining the appropriate dosages, timings of the day and other aspects that affect how the medication works for each person.<br /><br />Co-occurring conditions<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. These conditions may be separate conditions, or they could develop after years of undiagnosed ADHD and insufficient treatment. According to an ADDitude survey 59% of respondents believe that more research into comorbidities like depression and anxiety among women and girls with ADHD will positively impact their lives.<br /><br />In addition to anxiety and depression, co-occurring conditions that can affect adult women with ADHD include eating disorders and bulimia and sleeping difficulties, substance abuse mood and mood disorders self-harm, tic disorder as well as fibromyalgia and body dysmorphic disorder (an untrue or negative self-image). These disorders are more likely to manifest in girls and women than in boys and men. <a href="https://caldwell-amstrup.federatedjournals.com/20-insightful-quotes-on-undiagnosed-adhd-in-women">adhd test for women</a> and girls with ADHD have a higher chance of being misdiagnosed or being diagnosed incorrectly, than their male counterparts.<br /><br /><br /><br />The symptoms of ADHD may vary depending on the hormonal changes occurring in women's lives and other factors. For instance, symptoms could worsen during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal. These changes can lead to an incorrect diagnosis of premenstrual disorder or other mental conditions and lead to an unproductive treatment strategy.<br /><br />Gender bias in the healthcare system as well as a lack of awareness about the unique challenges and signs of ADHD can contribute to underdiagnosis. This can have a negative effect on the lives of women and their quality-of-life. Fortunately, by raising awareness of the specific requirements of women suffering from ADHD and promoting a precise diagnosis, and employing a variety of treatment options, adults are able to successfully manage their ADHD symptoms and improve their quality of life.<br /><br />There are many treatment options available for adult women with ADHD, including medication management, therapy and counseling as well as lifestyle changes and self-care. By taking care to address gender bias, ensuring accurate diagnosis, and evaluating treatments options, adults suffering from ADHD can overcome obstacles and become successful. CarePlus New Jersey can provide more information about treatment options for adult females with ADHD. Our team of experts can help you choose the right treatment that meets your goals and requirements.<br /><br />Options for medication<br /><br />Stimulant medication is effective in reducing symptoms for the majority of adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs increase brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine that aid people in focusing and controlling their behavior. They also improve blood flow to the brain which improves memory and learning. There are several types of stimulants. These include long-acting versions that require a smaller dosage. Certain people experience adverse effects of taking stimulants, like headaches, a decreased appetite and trouble sleeping. These medications should be avoided for those with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.<br /><br />Non-stimulant medication may be prescribed if the initial medication doesn't work or has adverse negative effects. These medications don't perform as efficiently, but they can boost mood, focus and organization over time. These drugs can be used in conjunction with or without stimulants.<br /><br />Talk therapy can address the emotional and relationship issues that contribute to symptoms for women suffering from adhd. These therapies are available in person and through online therapy platforms. Some treatments teach stress management strategies that can help control impulses and improve organizational skills.<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty to maintain relationships with their colleagues, friends and romantic partners. Inattention and difficulty focusing can cause them to appear distant or bored. Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms can cause people to interrupt others or blurt out things without thinking about the reception they'll receive.<br /><br />These relationships are often strained due to anger or misunderstanding. People who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to accept their limitations and may feel that others are criticizing or disrespecting them.<br /><br />The use of medication isn't a cure for ADHD, but they can help reduce symptoms and make life easier. Combining therapy and medication can result in better job outcomes and stronger personal relationships. It is essential to work with a medical professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you. If one medication does not work, try other options until you find the one that works for you. Some people need to alter their dosages or take them at different times of the day to achieve the most optimal results.<br /><br />