Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a common behavioral disorder among school-aged children. Studies have shown that there are more boys than girls that are likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, though it is not yet fully understood why. Children with ADHD act without thinking. They are hyperactive and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can not sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.

It was originally thought that only children can develop ADHD. Recent cases of adult ADHD have shed light on the said misconception. Adults have lived longer than children, and thus have had more time to develop other psychiatric disorders such as ADHD. Women often get diagnosed after they have brought in their own child for treatment. A study shows that it is often the most difficult to get the father involved for a treatment. Adult women are more likely to volunteer for treatment than are adult men.

A lot of women with ADHD have comorbid psychiatric disorders. Comorbid means having two or more diagnosable conditions at the same time. In women, depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, and substance abuse are common conditions.

Some women may feel overwhelmed by their numerous tasks at home. It may be difficult to break down and prioritize tasks. She may have difficulty providing the structure her children need to help contain their own ADHD. 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.

Stimulants are generally the first line of treatment for ADHD. Some women are elated that they can finally focus but they still have problems with prioritization. Now that they can focus better, they try to do a lot more, and end up sleeping less. The stimulant enables them to ?get away? with the sleep deprivation. However in a few weeks or months, it catches up to them. They get depressed or irritable and may chalk it up to medication side effects. They may also want to push the dose of the stimulant too high. The good news is that there are other new ADHD medications that are available but it is important to seek a doctor's advise first before taking any of them.

Since women are at greater risk for anxiety and mood disorders, they can be medicated for both. However, some mood stabilizers make it harder to focus, and if the antidepressant dose is too high, it may cause apathy. It is important to be systematic and to track the effects of each medication and be aware of possible drug interactions.

A consultation with her psychiatrist and her obstetrician is needed if a woman gets pregnant. Some medications may be less risky than others. Women with mild to moderate ADHD and who are able to arrange a less demanding schedule might do well to try to stay off medications during pregnancy. However, women with severe ADHD or those who must work a demanding job, may still need medication.

Doctor should be very cautious when prescribing medications for women with ADHD during pregnancy. There is some data on the use of the tricyclic antidepressants in pregnancy. Another option is Bupropion, a Class B medication. Clonidine (Catapress) is not as effective for inattention but may be useful for women with impulsivity. Doctors sometimes use some of the SSRI medication such as fluoxetine (Prozac) during pregnancy. The SSRI medications are not specific for ADHD but can help with depression and irritability. Sometimes an intensification of therapy and an effort to reduce life stresses, can enable the woman to manage without medications during the pregnancy.

Some of the medications used to treat ADHD can either increased or, decrease sexual desire or performance. Women should be aware of this in advance since they may be reluctant to bring this up on their own.