Denton County Living Well Magazine July/August 2020 | Page 28

Continued from, page 25
THE CAUSE OF ADD
Research indicates ADD is a neurobiological disorder with
a strong genetic link. According to the nonprofit organization
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity
Disorder (CHADD), complications during pregnancy, labor,
and delivery, exposure to nicotine or alcohol during fetal
development, or several other environmental factors may
also play a role in the development of ADD.
MISDIAGNOSIS
Studies show the incidence of ADD in men and women is
nearly identical, says Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., co-author
of Understanding Women with AD/HD. There are several
common reasons women with ADD often go undiagnosed.
Doctors often diagnose the depression that accompanies
ADD, but miss the ADD itself. Women, more often than men,
have coexisting anxiety and depression, which must be treated
as well.
Also, women who are more hyperactive, hyper talkative, and
impulsive are sometimes misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Many doctors still look for signs of ADD more typical of
boys. Many doctors fail to understand that ADD symptoms
in females often don’t appear until puberty or later because
of hormonal fluctuations. When girls enter adolescence,
during PMS, and as estrogen levels drop in perimenopause
and menopause, the symptoms of ADD often worsen.
Also, girls tend to try harder in school, so their ADD patterns
are often masked or overlooked by teachers.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Several treatments are available for ADD. The most effective
is a prescription medication. There’s a multitude of stimulant
and non-stimulant drugs available for treatment.
Behavioral therapy is also beneficial for both coming to
terms with the lifelong disorder and to relieve negative coping
behaviors. Coaching is also useful for learning new
skills and strategies for structuring life. Because ADD is neurobiological,
therapy and coaching work best in conjunction
with medication.
Several ineffective treatments are on the market, as well.
Suspect therapies, according to CHADD, include dietary
plans such as the Feingold Diet and vitamin and mineral
supplements. Other treatments that lack evidence include
anti-motion-sickness medication, Candida yeast, EEG Biofeedback,
Applied Kinesiology, also known as Neural Organization
Technique, and Optometric Vision Training, to
name a few. Often, excessive claims are made about these
treatments, citing a few favorable responses or studies that
don’t hold up to scrutiny.
WHERE TO FIND HELP
An accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential.
Finding a qualified provider isn’t always easy because
adult ADD, particularly as it affects women, isn’t always
recognized. Before seeking a diagnosis, read some
Symptoms of ADD
Some of the symptoms commonly seen in women, partially
taken from Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults by Dr.
Lynn Weiss, are as follows:
• Difficulty completing tasks or following through on
plans
• Difficulty shifting attention
• Excessively shifting from one activity to another
• Trouble concentrating on reading
• Impatience
• Frequent preoccupation in thoughts and not hearing
when spoken to
• Difficulty sitting still or excessive fidgeting
• Sudden and unexpected mood swings
• Interrupting in conversations, speaking without
considering consequences
• Hot-tempered
• Need for high stimulus
• Forgetfulness
• Low tolerance for frustration
• A tendency toward substance abuse
recommended books for a better understanding of the
disorder and the diagnosis and treatment process. Also,
compile a list of questions to ask your provider to ensure he
has a clear understanding of the disorder and appropriate
treatments. If you don’t feel comfortable with a physician’s
responses, seek help elsewhere.
26 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2020