faq

Questions from our Visitors

For Women:

Q.--The question I most want an answer too that I have not found anywhere is...What can do about the way my PMT makes me completely spaced out and incompetent?

(Lisa)

Q.--My family can tell when I'm PMSing, they don't want to be around me at all.It seems the PMS amplifies the ADD symptoms and visa-versa. I only have 1 good week in a month, I feel like I'm always in a tailspin, once I start feeling in control, the PMS aggravates the ADD I feel so helpless, and I would like to know if other women suffer as much as I do with hormones and ADD. I'm going to talk with my doctor soon and ask to change meds. Something to help with the PMS, I don't know if there is a combination of meds, that can help with both problems. I hate being a women with ADD. I hope you can imagine my problem.

(Tina)

A.--For some suggestions to these questions I turned to Sari Solden book "Women with Attention Deficit Disorder" and "Answers to Distraction" by Hallowell and Ratey.

A.--This is a real problem for women, your hormones may get so active, that simply, the medication doesn't work for a few days. In that case you have to rely on compensation techniques and learned patterns. Remember, that for a few days you will not be able to do as much, simplify the environment for a few days. Let your self know that it is OK to have this "down time" and that it doesn't mean you are a failure. Also remember that your moods may try to make you feel more easily depressed, or to make the problems bigger than they are. Let yourself get more sleep, and be sure you eat well during this time.--

A.--In The book; "Women with Attention Deficit Disorder", Sari Solden talks about some of the problems unique to women, she also quotes from the book: "Answers to Distraction" by Hallowell and Ratey. In that book they say "that another neurotransmitter, Serotonin, not the neurotransmitters that are causing the ADD, is making the problem. During the PMS, upsets the balance between the other neurotransmitters and the medication doesn't work as well. If this is really bad, then other medications may be suggested to help with the serotonin issues. Sometimes Prozac, BuSpar or Zoloft have been used."

About the Work Place:

--Is there a form of some sort to present to my employer or do I just write a general letter about my ADD? How do I ask for accommodations?

Kathie

--Yes Kathie, it is important to follow a format. Some general suggestion might be to include.

• Your full name
• When you were diagnosed
• Who did the diagnosis
• Treatment, including medication
• Brief description of where you consider yourself impacted by your disability
• IMPORTANT: describe your ADD as a disability in the content of your letter, if asked, it is not a "learning challenge it is a disability, defined in the DSM IV, and legally considered a disability.
• Some suggestions for accommodations, including identification of areas of challenge, the specific accommodation, and how/or why you think this will help you to more easily or efficiently complete your work.
• A time frame when you will present information to your supervisor on how this is helping or not helping you to more easily or efficiently complete your work.
• REMEMBER, you must currently be capable of completing your present job duties.
• Thank them for their consideration and willingness to discuss your learning disability and some accommodations.
• INCLUDE how you like working for them and consider yourself a dedicated employee.

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