Some women say that they have attention deficit disorder (AD/HD), but others say they are AD/HD. I prefer to see the AD/HD as just one aspect of a unique individual. Nevertheless, it is easy to understand why one might say, “I am ADD." For better or worse, AD/HD can affect many areas of one’s life.
Women are more likely to internalize: to blame themselves and to become depressed. Inattentive or impulsive girls often feel that “something" is wrong with them. Feelings of shame and guilt can layer themselves in to a young woman’s personality as she grows up. When a woman is first diagnosed with AD/HD, she may feel relief and a temporary euphoria. She now has a name for her guilty secret. But a diagnosis does not change an ingrained personality style. After the diagnosis comes the real work. She must gain an in-depth understanding of how the AD/HD affects her own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The roles of wife and mother add new dimensions of complexity to daily life of a woman with AD/HD. In our society, women often bear more of the responsibility for maintaining the household and raising the children. We expect the homemaker to provide organization and structure for the rest of the family members. Office jobs often have specific schedules and clear job descriptions. The home is much less structured. Tasks may not have a clear beginning or end.
Some women may feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of tasks in the home. It may be difficult to break down and prioritize tasks. A woman with difficulty maintaining divided attention may blow up when her children start asking for things while she is trying to fix dinner. She may have difficulty providing the structure her children need to help contain their own ADD. A woman prone to impulsive temper outbursts may have difficulty disciplining her children. Occasionally this impulsivity can lead to excessive punishment and even child abuse. If she has insight into her impulsive tendencies, she and her family can plan to have “time out" periods when arguments become heated.
Women may discover that AD/HD has its positive side. Her generosity, spontaneity and energy may make the household a Mecca for neighborhood children. Her high energy may enable her to keep up with a demanding job and a busy family life.
Sometimes, marriage between a spouse with AD/HD and a non-AD/HD partner, may work well. The husband may provide stability, structure and organizational skills. At the same time, the wife’s creativity, and quest for novelty may provide color to her husband’s life and help him explore new horizons. This complementary type of relationship works best when each partner has insight into his or her unique strengths and weaknesses. They learn from each other in a dynamic way, and do not allow their roles to become too rigid. Eventually the husband may have periods of spontaneity, and the AD/HD wife then becomes the stabilizer.
Sometimes individuals with AD/HD marry each other. The couple may enjoy each other’s spontaneity and energy. The woman may feel as if she has finally found someone on her own wavelength. However, when the couple encounters complex family demands, they may need outside help to stabilizing their lives.
Sometimes, AD/HD can strain a marriage. The non-ADD husband may misinterpret his wife’s disorganization and procrastination as deliberate offences. If the wife goes on an impulsive spending spree, it may damage family finances. The urge for novel situations can lead some women into repeated job changes or promiscuity. The dual-AD/HD couple may have difficulty deciding who will manage the more mundane aspects of family life.
Both partners should have a thorough understanding of the psychiatric diagnoses and how the behaviors associated with the diagnoses affect the entire family. Often women with AD/HD have other conditions such as anxiety, depression or alcohol abuse. It is important to address these conditions too. They may hide these difficulties just as they hid their AD/HD for so long.
The woman’s partner may also feel euphoric early in the treatment process when medication begins to have an effect. Both members of the couple are lulled into the belief that the diagnosis and the medication will be a panacea. Her husband may despair or even leave the relationship when old patterns and behaviors re-emerge. Family or group therapy can be an important part of treatment for women with AD/HD. It took a long time for each family member to learn their behavior patterns and it may take time to make lasting changes. The AD/HD may be an explanation, but no one should use it as an excuse. Instead, understanding your strengths and weaknesses can help you develop creative coping strategies.
Carol Watkins, M.D.
Medications and Treatments
Drug therapy is an important component of treating ADHD. There are many types of drugs that can be used to control symptoms.
ADHD medicines are available in short-acting (immediate-release), intermediate-acting and long-acting forms. It may take some time for a physician to find the best medication, dosage and schedule for an individual with ADHD.
Stimulants
A class of drugs called psychostimulants or stimulants have been used to effectively treat ADHD for years. These medicines help users to focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant medications are effective in 70% to 80% of patients.
They are used to treat both moderate and severe ADHD. The drugs are approved for use in adolescents or children over age 6 who are having difficulty with ADHD symptoms both at school or at work, as well as at home.
Stimulant drugs to treat ADHD include:
- Adderall and Adderall XR
- Concerta
- Cyclert
- Dexedrine
- Focalin
- Metadate CD and Metadate ER
- Methlin
- Ritalin, Ritalin LA
Nonstimulants and Other Drugs Used to Treat ADHD
In 2003, the first nonstimulant medication, Strattera, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It's used in adults, children and adolescents and is the first treatment approved to control ADHD symptoms in adults.
What Other Medications Are Used to Treat ADHD?
When stimulants or Strattera are ineffective or not well-tolerated, several other medications are available to treat ADHD. These medications include:
- Pamelor or other antidepressants
- Catapres or Tenex
- Wellbutrin
- Effexor
Side Effects
ADHD drugs can have side effects:
- Decreased appetite/weight loss
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Jitteriness
- Social withdrawal
- Stomachaches
In most cases, side effects can be relieved using one of the following strategies:
- Changing the medication dosage
- Adjusting the schedule of medication
- Using a different medication or using an alternative (see below).
Always consult your health care provider before making any changes in your ADHD treatment regimen.
Alternative Solutions
While the medications most used for both children and adult women with ADD are Strattera and Adderall there are other proven alternatives.
Rhodiola rosea, a Russian adaptogen herb, modifies neurotransmitters and has been shown to be an effective alternative to medications in both adults and children. Rhodiola rosea is a perennial plant that grows in dry sandy ground at high altitudes in the arctic areas of Europe and Asia. Rhodiola Rosea has been used in the traditional medicine of Russia and Scandinavia for relieving anxiety and depression and is now being used for ADD and ADHD.
Rhodiola rosea (Rhosavin100) is a Siberian herb that is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Russian research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents high altitude sickness. In one study, the Rhodiola rosea group decreased proofreading errors by 88% while the control group increased proofreading errors by 84%. Rhodiola rosea's effects are attributed to its ability to optimize serotonin and dopamine levels and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins.
Yogic Breathing Techniques and ADD/ADHD
These simple, yet powerful breathing practices have the advantage over many other forms of treatment because they are free from negative side-effects, cut health care costs, and are easy to learn and practice in daily life. Called The Art of Living, these simple breathing techniques are gaining world-wide attention.
Of particular note is the effect of this breathing technique on children with ADD and ADHD. Special attention is given to those with this health issue and the results are beyond impressive.
The Art of Living works in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN, and as such it has accredited representatives at the UN in New York, Geneva and Vienna. It also works in formal consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Art of Living Basic Course is not a religion but offers techniques to eliminate stress from the system and to pave the way for a joyful, vibrant life. Course participants report increase in the level of physical energy and an overall enhancement of well-being. The mind becomes more focused, more in the moment, more alert. Our inner strength becomes so strong and pervasive that nothing can shake it.
Be well always, Stephanie Sulger,RN,MS Health and Herbal Industry Specialist |
