ADHD in adult women is emerging as a focus of increased research, and women are being assessed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder more commonly than in the past. This blog series addresses ADHD in adult women. In this fourth post in the series, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is examined in women; specifically, issues related to treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in women.
Can ADHD be Treated or Cured?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not considered curable, but it is treatable. ADHD can be treated with therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and accommodations. The following treatment options are important to consider for women with ADHD:
- A Clinician and/or Therapist Experienced with Treating ADHD in Women: Finding this professional is perhaps the most important step in early treatment, and can be very challenging. Be sure to ask clinicians about their experience treating ADHD in women, and what percentage of their caseload are women with ADHD. Therapy can also help with managing other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which commonly co-occur alongside Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in women.
- Reframing: thinking differently about your experience. Therapists can help you validate your experience, question the impact of societal expectations on your outlook, help you focus on the aspects of your ADHD that you value, and assist you with practicing self-advocacy.
- Family Psychoeducation: It’s important for your support network to understand as much as they can about ADHD. Reading a book together about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adults can be a good way to open channels of communication with family and other supportive people in your life.
- Medications: Several medications can treat ADHD. These medications affect the levels of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals your brain uses for communication.
- Stimulants: Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®). Many of these come in multiple forms, allowing for shorter or longer times that the medication is active.
- Non-Stimulants: Examples include atomoxetine (Strattera®), viloxazine (Qelbree®), clonidine (Kapvay®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®).
- Antidepressants: Examples include bupropion (Wellbutrin®), desipramine (Norpramin®), imipramine (Tofranil®) and nortriptyline (Pamelor™).
- The possible complications and side effects from ADHD medications depend on many factors, especially which medication(s) you take. Your healthcare provider is the best person to tell you more about the side effects or complications you may experience, and what you can do about them.
- One side effect you may want to watch for with stimulant medications is reduced appetite. It’s common for these medications to make you feel less hungry, which can be a concern when a person also has an eating disorder. Eating disorders are also more common in women than they are in boys and men. If you notice or have concerns about this side effect, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
- As a woman, it is important to find a doctor who understands the impact of hormones on ADHD, and the interplay between hormonal fluctuations and medications. Neurostimulants, for example, may be less effective in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Hormone replacement therapy typically improves ADHD symptoms in postmenopausal women, as it increases available estrogen and progesterone. SSRIs are commonly prescribed for anxiety and mood disorders, so it’s crucial for clinicians to understand how neurostimulants interact with SSRIs and affect symptoms.
- Environmental Restructuring: Therapists and other professionals can help you strategize about restructuring your surroundings (at home, school, and/ or work) to better suit your needs. This may include organization of materials, reminder systems, visual aids, and accommodations for sensory input to help minimize distractions, for example.
- Coaching: ADHD or executive function coaches can help you set, prioritize, and meet goals, brainstorm useful accommodations and modifications, and assist with challenging communications, for example.
- Support Groups: Support groups can be especially helpful with normalizing the ADHD experience and reducing isolation, anxiety, and distress. Support groups also offer a unique social outlet, offering contact with others who understand the challenges you face.
The content for this article was derived in part from the following sources:
- ADDitude Expert Webinar “Why ADHD is Different for Women: Gender Specific Symptoms & Treatments” (ADDitude ADHD Experts Podcast episode #337) by Ellen Littman, Ph.D., broadcast live on December 15, 2020.
- https://auramd.com/adhd-medications/#:~:text=To%20understand%20how%20stimulant%20medications,is%20right%20for%20each%20individual.
If you would like to learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, you may want to explore additional posts on my Neuronews Blog. If you are interested in assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and are age 16 or older, you can learn more on my page about, Neuropsychological Assessment. Please feel free to contact me from that page or by email at amy@amyblackmonphd.com.