The ADHD Adult Woman

Learn How ADHD Is Different In Women vs Men...

The ADHD adult woman faces various challenges. Studies indicate that while ADHD affects males at three to nine times the rate of females, ADHD in women may be grossly under-diagnosed in females.

This may be due in part to the fact that ADHD manifests differently in boys compared to girls. Girls tend to suffer from the Inattentive-type ADHD, not the more recognizable Hyperactive-type that boys typically manifest.

Girls tend to appear as "daydreamers" and "spacey" while boys tend to display hyperactive and disruptive behaviors that results in them getting proper diagnosis in treatment.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can affect people for years without their realization and go undetected. Some sufferers resort to drugs or alcohol to calm their "active mind" which may work for a while until serious addiction or other consequences develop.

It is estimated that at least 4 million women suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and many are not aware they have the condition. Some researchers estimate that perhaps only one half to three-quarters of ADHD women have been accurately diagnosed.

In addition, there are other factors that may exacerbate the condition in females. For example, iron deficiency tends to be higher in children and adults with ADHD and it is believed that iron affects cognitive skills. Menstruation, which obviously affects only women, may also cause iron deficiency.

Also, it is estimated that up to two-thirds of children with ADHD have at least one co-existing condition such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. (For more information, see this article about ADHD and co-occurring conditions.) Women also suffer higher rates of depression and anxiety, which may also relate to or exacerbate Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Testing

Recommended Treatment Program

Natural Remedies

Also, there are a number of safe and effective ADD natural remedies for the ADHD adult woman including Focus Formula For Adults, BrightSpark, Attend, Listol, and Synaptol. These supplements are made from plant and herb extracts, dot not cause side effects or withdrawal symptoms, and are a great alternative for those who cannot tolerate the adverse side effects of amphetamine-based ADHD medications such as Ritalin.

Other Treatments

Treatment for the ADHD adult woman often includes a combination of adult ADHD medications, therapy, adult ADHD coaching, support groups, ADHD diet, exercise and other approaches.

Medication

Studies show medications have been shown to be successful for 70% of ADHD women. These medications typically consist of mild stimulants that affect the chemicals in the brain that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Popular ADHD medications include Ritalin, Focalin, Daytrana, Concerta, Dexedrine, Adderall, Strattera, and Vyvanse. In addition, antidepressants are also prescribed to help treat ADHD since those with ADHD also tend to have higher rates of depression. (See this article about ADHD and depression.)

And Clonidine, a high blood pressure medication, has been found to be useful in relieving some of the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Furthermore, medications that boost wakefulness and alertness that are used to treat work shift sleep disorders such as Provigil, Modafinil, and Nuvigil have been utilized with some success in treating Attention Deficit in adults.

Other

Also, there are a number of resources to help relieve ADHD in women; see these helpful tips to help manage ADHD.

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